Problem

Apple confirms cellular loss on iPhone 18 Pro Max units on AT&T

MobiArabia · 2026-10-05

Problem

Apple confirms a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T in the US lost cellular service, and is replacing affected devices for free.

Key points

A small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max units on AT&T in the US lost cellular service completely
The issue appeared about two weeks after launch; the iPhone 18 Pro with Apple's C2 modem is not affected
Apple released iOS 27.0.1 and strongly recommends installing it; AT&T's carrier settings update arrives within 14 days
Phones that already lost service need a hardware replacement, which Apple is providing for free
No reports on other networks; speaker crackling and colour fading are user complaints not confirmed by Apple

Apple has confirmed that a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network in the United States lost cellular service completely, with the phone showing SOS and calls, text messages and mobile data stopping. The issue appeared about two weeks after the iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale.

According to Apple, the US iPhone 18 Pro Max uses a Qualcomm modem, while the iPhone 18 Pro, which uses Apple's own C2 modem, is not affected. Apple released iOS 27.0.1 and strongly recommends installing it, and AT&T is rolling out a carrier settings update offered automatically within 14 days. These steps stop the problem from reaching more phones.

Phones that have already lost service cannot be fixed by the update; Apple says they need a hardware replacement and is replacing affected devices for free. The reports and Apple's statement are about AT&T in the US, and there are no reports of this problem on other networks, so owners elsewhere are not reported affected.

In separate complaints reported by owners, which Apple has not confirmed as defects, some iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max owners hear crackling or popping from the earpiece speaker, and some say a replacement phone did the same; iOS 27.0.1 notes do not mention a speaker fix. Some owners also say the colour is fading on burgundy and black models. iOS 27.0.1 fixed a Face ID bug.

Affected users should install iOS 27.0.1 and check for the carrier settings update when it arrives, and contact Apple if the phone has already lost service to arrange the free replacement.