Apple Confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max AT&T Cellular Issues and Free Hardware Replacements
- Some iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T are losing cellular service entirely, leaving their devices unable to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data, ZDNET reported.
- Apple stated that it released iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier settings update to help prevent the issue from occurring on additional devices.
- MacRumors reported that AT&T's text message instructed customers to update immediately, even though many affected users stated that the software update does not resolve existing connection dropouts.
Some iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T are losing cellular service entirely, leaving their devices unable to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data, ZDNET reported. Affected phones frequently drop to SOS mode while Wi-Fi continues to function. Apple confirmed that the issue affects a small number of users on AT&T’s network and requires a free hardware replacement for devices that have already lost connection.
Apple and AT&T Response and Software Updates
Apple stated that it released iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier settings update to help prevent the issue from occurring on additional devices. According to ZDNET, Apple strongly encourages all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1 immediately. AT&T similarly sent text messages to customers warning of an important Apple software update and urging them to install iOS 27.0.1 through the device settings, noting that some phones may be unable to complete calls, text messages, or data connections, including emergency calls to 911.
MacRumors reported that AT&T’s text message instructed customers to update immediately, even though many affected users stated that the software update does not resolve existing connection dropouts. MacRumors noted that Apple’s release notes for iOS 27.0.1 made no mention of fixing AT&T cellular issues, focusing instead on a Face ID bug on iPhone 18 Pro models. Meanwhile, 9to5Mac reported that the carrier settings update will download automatically over a 14-day period, though users can manually check for it by going to Settings, General, and About.
Hardware Replacement Requirements for Affected Devices
Because the software updates are intended solely as preventative measures, they cannot restore cellular service to devices that have already disconnected from the network. 9to5Mac reported that Apple confirmed devices already experiencing service loss require a physical hardware replacement. ZDNET noted that these hardware replacements will be provided free of charge by Apple.
Affected customers are advised by ZDNET and 9to5Mac to contact Apple Support or AT&T, or to visit a physical Apple Store or AT&T retail location.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Modem Differs from Unaffected Model
The underlying cause of the cellular failure remains unconfirmed by either Apple or AT&T. ZDNET reported that teardowns by iFixit and TechInsights show the US version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem, while also adding a new millimeter-wave antenna compared to previous models. 9to5Mac added that the smaller iPhone 18 Pro, which uses Apple’s C2 modem, is entirely unaffected by these AT&T connectivity issues, though neither Apple nor AT&T has officially linked the Qualcomm modem or the new antenna to the service failures.