Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular fault on AT&T, offers free replacement
In short
Apple has confirmed that a “small number” of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T have lost cellular service, leaving them unable to make calls, send texts or use data. The company released iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier settings update to help prevent more cases, but said devices that have already lost service must be replaced, at no charge. Apple said the issue has been observed only among iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T.
Read the full story 2 min read
Apple confirmed on Friday that a “small number” of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T’s network have lost cellular service, preventing phone calls, text messages and data. In a statement, the company said it had identified an issue that “may cause a device to lose service and be unable to make calls.” [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Apple said it released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and issued a carrier settings update on Friday, and strongly encouraged all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to update now. The carrier settings update will download automatically over the next 14 days; users can trigger it manually through Settings, General and About. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
The company said the two updates together are meant to help prevent the issue from occurring, and that they will not restore service on devices that have already lost it. Apple said those devices must be replaced entirely, and an Apple representative told CNET the replacement will be provided free of charge. Affected customers should contact Apple Support or AT&T, or visit an Apple Store or AT&T location, Apple said. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
AT&T sent customers a text message urging them to update to iOS 27.0.1 “immediately,” warning that “some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911.” [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Apple said it has only observed the issue among iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T, and that no other iPhone models or carriers are known to be impacted. US models of the iPhone 18 Pro Max use a Qualcomm modem, while the iPhone 18 Pro, which uses Apple’s C2 modem, is not affected, according to 9to5Mac. CNET reported that T-Mobile and Verizon said they were not seeing similar reports on their networks. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Apple has not disclosed the underlying cause of the issue or an exact number of affected devices. MacRumors, citing complaints across the Apple Support Community and other platforms, estimated that thousands of users have been affected. Some owners reported on Reddit that the 27.0.1 update alone did not fix the problem, nor did upgrading to the public beta of iOS 27.2, according to CNET and ZDNET. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The fault hits a flagship phone sold in the US and, according to AT&T, could leave some devices unable to complete calls or texts, including to 911. Apple’s remedy — a full hardware replacement rather than a software fix — means affected owners have to contact Apple or AT&T to get a new device.
Key facts
- Apple confirmed an issue that may cause a “small number” of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T to lose service and be unable to make calls. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Apple released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and issued a carrier settings update on Friday. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Apple said the updates are meant to prevent the issue and will not restore service on devices that have already lost it. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Affected devices require a hardware replacement, which an Apple representative said would be free of charge. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The carrier settings update downloads automatically over 14 days, or can be triggered manually through Settings, General and About. [ 1 , 4 ]
- AT&T sent customers a text urging them to install iOS 27.0.1 immediately, warning some phones may be unable to complete calls, texts or data, including to 911. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Apple said it has only observed the issue with iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- CNET said T-Mobile and Verizon reported no similar issues on their networks. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Apple confirmed an issue affecting a “small number” of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T’s network that may cause a device to lose service and be unable to make calls. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Apple said the software and carrier updates are intended to prevent the issue and will not restore service to devices that have already lost it. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Apple said affected devices must be replaced entirely, and an Apple representative said the replacement will be free of charge. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Apple said it has only observed the issue among iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T, with no other models or carriers known to be affected. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- AT&T sent customers a text message urging them to update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The carrier settings update will download automatically over the next 14 days, and can be manually triggered through Settings, General and About. [ 1 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- The cause of the cellular fault has not been explained. Apple and AT&T have not publicly explained the cause; ZDNET notes the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s cellular hardware could be a factor but does not confirm it.
- The number of devices affected is not known. Apple has not given an exact figure; MacRumors estimated thousands of users were affected based on complaints.
- Whether the software updates fixed any already-affected devices. CNET and ZDNET cite Reddit reports that iOS 27.0.1 alone and the iOS 27.2 public beta did not restore service, but these are user reports rather than company statements.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- 9to5Mac reports Apple has confirmed the AT&T cellular issue and that affected iPhone 18 Pro Max devices require hardware replacement. [ 1 ]
- CNET reports Apple will replace affected phones for free and that T-Mobile and Verizon see no similar reports. [ 2 ]
- ZDNET reports Apple’s confirmation that two software updates will not fix devices that have already lost service. [ 3 ]
- MacRumors reports Apple’s statement that affected devices must be replaced, and that thousands of users had complained. [ 4 ]