Apple Says iPhone 18 Pro Max Users With AT&T Cellular Issue Need to Have Device Replaced

Apple today confirmed that a "small number" of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network have experienced an issue that causes the device to lose cellular service, thereby preventing phone calls, text messages, and data from working. Thousands of users complained about the issue across the Apple Support Community and other platforms. Apple said it released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and an AT&T carrier settings update earlier today to help prevent more iPhone 18 Pro Max users from being impacted by this issue going forward.

In a statement shared with Apple strongly encouraged all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to update to iOS 27.0.1 now. To install the update, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on General → Software Update. The carrier settings update for the iPhone 18 Pro Max will automatically download for AT&T users over the next 14 days, according to Apple.

Apple’s full statement: We have identified an issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network that may cause a device to lose service and be unable to make calls. We released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and strongly encourage all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to update now, and are also issuing a carrier settings update today. These updates together are meant to help prevent this issue from occurring.

Experiencing SOS mode on your iPhone 18 Pro Max with AT&T. Apple confirms a hardware issue and details who needs a replacement.

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Apple acknowledges AT&T network bug on iPhone 18 Pro Max. News Mobile Smartphones Apple acknowledges AT&T network bug on iPhone 18 Pro Max You’ll have to get your phone replaced if it has already lost its signal.

Update: October 2, 2026 (2:40 PM ET): A Google spokesperson has informed that a fix for this issue was rolled out this week. If you are still experiencing this problem, check to see if an update is available.

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It appears that the issue has only affected AT&T users in the US, and an iOS update is already available to fix it. That said, the update won’t work for those who have already been affected by the problem.

Those will need a hardware replacement, Apple told. What Apple says about the AT&T issue George Mattock/Getty Images It’s not hard to tell if your phone has the bug.

If that’s the case, your iPhone 18 Pro Max will show the "SOS" symbol in the status bar instead of signal bars. Calls, text messages and data over 4G or 5G will also stop working.

The good news is that not every iPhone 18 Pro Max owner using AT&T has been affected.

Apple said that iPhone 18 Pro Max devices that have been affected by this cellular issue on the AT&T network cannot have service reactivated with a software update. Instead, Apple said the device must be replaced entirely, and it advises affected customers to contact Apple Support or AT&T, or visit an Apple Store or AT&T location.