CUPERTINO: Apple is offering free replacement iPhone 18 Pro Max units to customers affected by a serious AT&T connectivity issue.
The problem can cause affected phones to lose cellular service. In some cases, users may be unable to make regular calls or even emergency 911 calls.
The issue appears to be limited to iPhone 18 Pro Max models using AT&T’s network. Users began reporting lost cellular service last week, with the problem potentially affecting thousands of customers.
Apple Releases Updates
Apple released iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier-settings update on Friday to prevent the issue from affecting additional devices.
However, the updates do not restore cellular service on phones that have already developed the problem.
According to CNET, Apple will replace affected iPhone 18 Pro Max units free of charge.
Apple and AT&T are advising affected customers to contact their support teams for assistance.
Some users on Reddit reported that installing iOS 27.0.1 did not restore their cellular connection. Others said that trying the iOS 27.2 public beta also failed to resolve the issue.
Problem Appears Limited to AT&T
So far, the problem appears to affect only the iPhone 18 Pro Max on AT&T.
There have been no similar reports involving T-Mobile or Verizon. The standard iPhone 18 Pro on AT&T also does not appear to be affected.
The hardware inside the affected models could be a factor.
The iPhone 18 Pro uses Apple’s C2 modem. However, the US version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem.
iFixit has also identified a new millimeter-wave antenna in the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
TechInsights noted that Qualcomm’s X80 modem was also used in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Cause Still Unclear
It remains unclear whether the Snapdragon X80 modem, the new antenna or another hardware component is responsible for the connectivity failure.
Qualcomm has not commented on the issue.
For most users, Apple’s software and carrier-settings updates should help prevent the problem from spreading.
However, customers whose iPhone 18 Pro Max has already lost cellular service on AT&T may need a replacement device, as Apple is reportedly replacing affected phones rather than repairing them.
