ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Some iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T are dropping mobile service.
- Apple mentioned two updates may also help forestall the problem.
- Affected telephones require a free {hardware} alternative.
In case your iPhone 18 Professional Max has misplaced service on AT&T and is unable to make calls, ship texts, and even use cellular knowledge, two new software program updates gained’t be sufficient to get it working once more. However Apple will exchange the telephone without cost.
A few weeks in the past, iPhone 18 Professional Max house owners on AT&T started reporting that they had misplaced mobile service. AT&T initially directed prospects to put in iOS 27.0.1 “instantly,” warning the issue might forestall calls to 911.
Additionally: iOS 27.0.1: Apple fixes annoying iPhone 18 Professional restart points
Apple has now confirmed to ZDNET that a problem affecting “a small variety of iPhone 18 Professional Max customers” on AT&T’s community could trigger their gadgets to lose service. “We launched iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and strongly encourage all iPhone 18 Professional Max customers to replace now, and are additionally issuing a service settings replace as we speak,” Apple mentioned. “These updates collectively are supposed to assist forestall this subject from occurring.”
Because the updates are supposed to stop the problem, they gained’t repair gadgets already affected. These would require a alternative, in accordance with Apple.
What’s occurring?
iPhone 18 Professional Max house owners on Reddit have reported randomly dropping their connection to AT&T, with telephones switching to SOS mode. Whereas Wi-Fi nonetheless works, they’ll’t make calls, ship texts, or use knowledge over the community.
Additionally: 7 iOS 27 options that make outdated iPhones thrilling once more
AT&T has subsequently despatched a textual content to prospects to warn them about an “vital Apple Software program replace” that’s accessible for affected telephones. “Some telephones could also be unable to finish calls/textual content/knowledge, together with to 911,” the cellular service mentioned. “Replace to iOS 27.0.1 instantly — Settings > Common > Software program Replace.”
Apple has not offered a precise variety of affected gadgets, although it has solely noticed the problem amongst iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T.
What’s inflicting the AT&T subject?
Apple and AT&T haven’t publicly defined the trigger, however the iPhone 18 Professional Max’s mobile {hardware} might be an element. Our sibling website, CNET, famous a latest iFixit teardown reveals the US model of the telephone makes use of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem.
Additionally: Your iPhone simply bought a hidden anti-scam improve in iOS 27
Nevertheless, CNET additionally cited a TechInsights teardown that reveals the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max use the identical modem, whereas the iPhone 18 Professional Max appears so as to add a brand new millimeter-wave antenna. Neither Apple nor AT&T has linked that antenna to the service failures.
For now, the trigger stays unconfirmed.
What Apple and AT&T say to do
Based on Apple, two new updates for iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T are supposed to assist forestall the mobile connection drawback, however they gained’t restore service to telephones already affected.
1. Set up the iOS 27.0.1 software program replace
When you’ve got an iPhone 18 Professional Max on AT&T, Apple strongly recommends putting in iOS 27.0.1. To test for the replace, go to Settings > Common > Software program Replace. AT&T can also be urging prospects to put in the replace.
2. Set up the service settings replace
Subsequent, set up a brand new service settings replace in your iPhone 18 Professional Max. It can robotically obtain for AT&T customers over the following 14 days, in accordance with Apple. To manually set off it, go to Settings > Common > About.
What if you happen to already misplaced service?
In case your iPhone 18 Professional Max is already with out AT&T mobile service due to this subject, it can’t be reactivated by software program updates and requires a {hardware} alternative as an alternative, Apple mentioned. The corporate confirmed to ZDNET that replacements will likely be offered freed from cost.
Additionally: 5 iOS 27 upgrades that make an enormous distinction – and why I really like them
So, affected house owners can:
- Contact Apple Assist or AT&T.
- Go to an Apple Retailer or an AT&T location.
When contacting help, clarify you may have an iPhone 18 Professional Max on AT&T that has misplaced service, and point out whether or not you put in iOS 27.0.1 and the service settings replace. From there, request your free alternative.
AT&T beforehand advised ZDNET that prospects who proceed to expertise issues ought to search further help from Apple or an AT&T retailer. “Our high precedence is guaranteeing prospects can keep linked after they want it most, and we’re working with Apple to make it proper,” AT&T mentioned.
