Apple Offers Free iPhone 18 Pro Max Replacements to Users Hit by AT&T Connectivity Problem
The issue can stop affected phones from making calls, including emergency 911 calls, and a software update has not restored service on phones that already have the problem.
Apple offers free iPhone 18 Pro Max replacements to AT&T customers in the US whose phones lost cellular service. Learn who is affected and what to do.
Apple is offering free replacements to some iPhone 18 Pro Max owners affected by a serious cellular connectivity issue on AT&T's network in the US. If your phone has lost cellular service, contact Apple or AT&T support. According to reports, Apple and AT&T are providing replacement iPhone 18 Pro Max units at no cost. Owners who have not had the problem should install iOS 27.0.1 and the separate carrier-settings update released on Friday, which should help prevent new cases.
Who Is Affected
The issue appears to be limited to iPhone 18 Pro Max models using AT&T in the US. Reports of lost cellular connectivity emerged last week, and estimates suggest thousands of customers could be affected. There have been no similar reports on T-Mobile or Verizon, and the standard iPhone 18 Pro on AT&T does not appear to be affected.
Software Updates Do Not Fix Affected Phones
The updates do not appear to restore connectivity on devices that have already developed the problem. Some affected users have reported that neither iOS 27.0.1 nor the iOS 27.2 public beta restored their cellular service.
What May Be Behind It
The cause has not been confirmed. The US iPhone 18 Pro Max uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem, while the iPhone 18 Pro uses Apple's C2 modem. An iFixit teardown also found a new millimeter-wave antenna in the Pro Max. TechInsights reports the X80 modem is also used in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, so it is unclear whether the modem, the new antenna or another component is responsible. Qualcomm has not commented publicly.
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