Apple confirms AT&T issue on iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple confirms limited AT&T service issue

Apple has confirmed an issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T's US network. Affected devices can lose cellular service and become unable to make calls. An iPhone showing an "SOS" symbol instead of signal bars may have the issue, while calls, text messages, and data over 4G or 5G can also stop working.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only model sold in the US that uses a Qualcomm modem instead of Apple's own. It is unclear whether this has a direct connection to the service issue.

Updates intended to prevent further incidents

Apple released iOS 27.0.1 earlier in the week and strongly encourages all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install it. The company is also issuing a carrier settings update. Together, Apple says the updates are intended to help prevent affected devices from losing service.

Users can install iOS 27.0.1 by opening Settings, selecting General, and choosing Software Update. To check for the carrier settings update, users should open Settings, select General, and tap About. If no carrier settings update appears, the device may already have the latest version.

Affected phones require hardware replacement

A software update or restore will not fix an iPhone 18 Pro Max that has already lost its cellular signal because of the issue. Affected users are advised to contact Apple Support or AT&T and request a phone replacement.