Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max AT&T cellular issues, affected devices require hardware replacement

Apple has confirmed an issue causing a “small number” of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices to lose cellular service on AT&T.

Apple has released software and carrier updates to prevent the issue from affecting other users, but the company says 9to5Mac that devices that have already lost service will require hardware replacement.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple said:

“We have identified an issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network that may cause a device to lose service and be unable to make calls. We released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and strongly encourage all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to update now, and are also releasing a carrier settings update today. These updates are intended to help prevent this problem does not occur.

The carrier settings update for iPhone 18 Pro Max will download automatically over the next 14 days. However, users can manually trigger the download by going to Settings, choosing General, then About.

Apple says the software updates will help prevent future issues for iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T. Software updates will not restore service to devices that have already lost it.

Apple says iPhone 18 Pro Max users who have already lost service will need a hardware replacement. These users should contact Apple or AT&T Support, or visit an Apple Store or AT&T location.

As we reported this morning, iPhone 18 Pro Max users affected by this issue are unable to connect to AT&T’s network for calls, texts, and data. Instead, these users see “SOS” in their iPhone’s status bar. Connectivity issues don’t affect all iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T.

Interestingly, the iPhone 18 Pro Max in the US uses a Qualcomm modem. The iPhone 18 Pro, which uses Apple’s C2 modem, is not affected by these AT&T connectivity issues.

Chance’s favorites:

Follow Chance: Discussions, X and Instagram