What we know so far: Apple is replacing a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices after some AT&T customers lost cell service, leaving them unable to make calls, use mobile data or send text messages. For Cupertino, the problem is an early test of the software and network support of its latest flagship phone. The company has been quick to distribute the updates, but has not yet revealed how many devices are affected or why replacement is the only option for these customers.
According to customer reports, the issue only affects the iPhone 18 Pro Max on AT&T, and Apple says it has observed the same pattern. The company has released an update to carrier settings and iOS 27.0.1 to prevent additional devices from being affected. However, customers whose phones have already lost service will need a device replacement from Apple or AT&T.
In a statement provided to Bloomberg, an Apple spokesperson said: “We have identified an issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network that may result in a device losing service and being unable to make calls.”
For people whose phones have lost connection, Wi-Fi may be the only way to use Internet-based services. Without a network connection, the phone cannot reliably handle basic cellular functions.
UPDATE: AT&T has finally confirmed to me that the iPhone 18 service/SOS issue is known and is being investigated by Apple
by u/GleamingGlider in ATT
Apple is sending a carrier settings update to AT&T users, which is expected to download automatically over the next 14 days. The company has also recommended that customers install all available software updates as soon as possible, including iOS 27.0.1.
Users can check for the carrier update by opening Settings, selecting General, and then tapping About. The phone should ask you if an update is available.
Anyone else getting SOS on iPhone 18 Pro Max?!!!!
by u/Efficient-Ad818 in ATT
Carrier settings are independent of a full iOS update. They allow Apple and a wireless carrier to change certain network-related settings without requiring customers to install an entirely new version of the operating system. The iOS version gives Apple another way to fix software problems that may be related to the service outage.
The issue has drawn attention because the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses different cellular hardware than the rest of Apple’s new phone lineup. In the US, the Pro Max has a Qualcomm modem, while the other new models, including the smaller iPhone 18 Pro, use Apple’s own C2 modem.
iPhone 18 Pro Max SOS
by u/WeezyMelt in ATT
The reports do not indicate that Qualcomm’s modem caused the problem. The information available only shows that the issue is limited to the iPhone 18 Pro Max on AT&T’s network. Still, the hardware difference is significant because the affected model is the only new iPhone to use Qualcomm’s modem in the United States.
Cell service depends on more than the modem itself. The phone’s operating system, carrier configuration and network connection all need to work together, and a problem in any part of this chain can result in a device failing to connect to a carrier or maintain service once it does.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 and went on sale two weeks ago. It’s Apple’s most premium standard iPhone and comes ahead of the company’s upcoming foldable iPhone Duo, due out on October 23rd.
