Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max network failure on AT&T; some units need replacement
In short
Apple has confirmed that some iPhone 18 Pro Max handsets on AT&T's network in the United States lose calls, SMS and mobile data, and says phones that have already lost service cannot be fixed by software and must be replaced. AT&T is telling owners to install iOS 27.0.1 and updated carrier settings as a preventive step, which should arrive automatically within 14 days. Apple says a “small number” of users are affected and has not given a figure or a cause for the fault.
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Apple has confirmed a connectivity failure affecting some iPhone 18 Pro Max handsets on AT&T's network in the United States, and says phones that have already lost service must be replaced because software cannot restore them. Apple told MacRumors and 9to5Mac that the defect affects a “small number” of users and did not disclose a figure, iXBT reported. Owners report losing ordinary calls, SMS and mobile data, with the handset switching to SOS mode, and AT&T said emergency calls may be unavailable in some cases. [ 1 , 2 ]
AT&T has told subscribers with an iPhone 18 Pro Max to update to iOS 27.0.1 and to install an additional carrier settings update that accounts for the operator's network configuration. The settings are to download automatically within 14 days but can be triggered manually from the phone's general settings, 3DNews reported. Both outlets said the updates are preventive and are intended to stop the problem from appearing. [ 1 , 2 ]
For devices that have already lost connection, updates do not help, and neither does installing the iOS 27.2 beta, 3DNews reported. Apple is exchanging defective iPhone 18 Pro Max units at its own expense, and owners can also approach AT&T, according to 3DNews; iXBT reported the same, citing Apple, and said replacement of the hardware is required. On Reddit, users said reactivating the eSIM, resetting network settings and visiting Apple and AT&T stores did not bring service back, and that only replacing the phone worked, iXBT reported. The iXBT follow-up repeated that iOS 27.0.1 and the carrier settings would not be enough for handsets that had already lost service. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The accounts differ on emergency calls: 3DNews said owners cannot place them only where no other cellular networks are available in the area, while iXBT, citing AT&T, said emergency calls may be unavailable in some cases. The documents give no cause for the fault — iXBT reported that Apple has not explained it and that it is unknown which component fails and why a software fix works only preventively. 3DNews said CNet authors saw no similar problems among iPhone 18 Pro Max owners on other carriers, whatever version of iOS they used, and Habr News said the problem appears to affect only AT&T subscribers in the US. 3DNews also cited some estimates that thousands of users could be affected. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The failure leaves owners of Apple's flagship iPhone without calls, messages or mobile data on a major US network, and for units that have already lost service the only remedy Apple offers is a hardware replacement, which the company said it will cover. Because Apple has not explained the cause, owners on AT&T and elsewhere cannot judge how far the problem extends. Outside the United States the episode matters mainly as a test of how Apple handles a defect in a newly launched flagship.
Key facts
- Some iPhone 18 Pro Max handsets on AT&T's network lose calls, SMS and mobile data, and can switch to SOS mode. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Apple confirmed the defect and told MacRumors and 9to5Mac that it affects a “small number” of users. [ 2 ]
- AT&T advises owners to update to iOS 27.0.1 and to install updated carrier settings, which are to arrive automatically within 14 days. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The updates are preventive; devices that have already lost service cannot be restored with software. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Apple is replacing affected handsets at its own expense, and owners can also contact AT&T, according to the reports. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Apple has not explained the cause or said which component is failing. [ 2 ]
- 3DNews cited some estimates that thousands of users could be affected. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Apple has confirmed a connectivity failure affecting some iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T's network. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Affected users cannot make ordinary calls, send SMS or use mobile data. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Software updates cannot restore service on phones that have already lost it; those handsets have to be replaced. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Apple recommends installing iOS 27.0.1 and AT&T's updated carrier settings as a preventive measure. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- How many devices are affected Apple described the number of affected users as “small” without giving a figure, and iXBT reported that the company does not disclose it; 3DNews cited “some estimates” of thousands, a single-source figure.
- What causes the failure iXBT reported that Apple has not explained the cause and that it is unknown which component fails and why a software fix works only preventively.
- Whether emergency calls are affected 3DNews said emergency calls fail only where no other cellular networks are available in the area, while iXBT, citing AT&T, said emergency calls may be unavailable in some cases.
- Whether the problem is confined to AT&T 3DNews said CNet authors saw no such problems among iPhone 18 Pro Max owners on other carriers, and Habr News said the problem appears to affect only AT&T subscribers in the US, but no outlet confirms this across all carriers.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- 3DNews reports that some iPhone 18 Pro Max owners on AT&T have lost calls, SMS and mobile data, and that Apple will replace affected devices. [ 1 ]
- iXBT reports that Apple confirmed the defect to MacRumors and 9to5Mac and described the number of affected users as “small”. [ 2 ]
- The next day, iXBT reports in a follow-up that installing iOS 27.0.1 and updated carrier settings is not enough for phones that have already lost service. [ 3 ]
- Habr News reports that Apple confirmed the fault and that owners of affected units will need replacement devices. [ 4 ]