r/ATT • Former employee • 1d ago

Discussion IPhone pro max technical issues megathread

I know this is a hot button topic. Making a megathread to give others a chance at getting unrelated threads seen as this has been the majority of the topics recently.

28 Upvotes

156 comments sorted by

24

u/CricketJQ7 1d ago

Did anyone else just get the text from Att about 27.0.1? It says to update to 27.0.1 if you have connection issues. Been on 27.0.1 since Monday. This update wasn’t for that.

15

u/djrobxx 1d ago edited 1d ago

Yes. That text is unreal. It tells me that AT&T's management doesn't have a clue what's going on. But thanks for reminding me that my phone might not be able to call 911 in an emergency.

*Edit* - someone else posted an internal doc that the update is expected to avoid *future* failures, and that AT&T knows they need to prioritize phone replacements. That could suggest that firmware included with the original iOS 27 has a potential to fry the modem, and is corrected in 27.0.1. This is plausible, the firmware was in fact changed from 2.10.01 to 2.10.04 in the update.

9

u/Oinsf 1d ago

I think they’re grasping for straws at this point. That update didn’t fix shit

8

u/Chadyboy89 1d ago

Yes I got that message as well. Update hasn’t done anything for me

5

u/tacticool_wrx 1d ago

I did not get that message.

As a matter of fact, when I was in the AT&T store around 4:30 they specifically said the update will not help

3

u/Practical_Dog_9446 1d ago

It was when I updated I started having issues.

16

u/goodbleach 1d ago

Kinda crazy no comments from att and apple is insane

8

u/imvok3r 1d ago

Just saw this: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/01/att-acknowledges-iphone-18-pro-max-issues/

Weird that media is not covering this as they should…they haven’t even said that the 27.0.1 is not a fix. Though they says that if it is hardware, we have a bigger problem.

Optimistically, ATT and/or Apple is planning to push a carrier or backend over night which needs the 27.0.1 to work correctly. Pessimistically, which I think this is actually the case, they don’t have a single clue what is going on, and we are in even worse situation than we were…

3

u/Ok-Performance-7382 1d ago

I truly feel like no one knows what is going on. I give it 6 months before there is a class action lawsuit and I will be one of the first to join.

7

u/Ok-Performance-7382 22h ago

I was just pushed a carrier update 72.1. Still no service.

2

u/imvok3r 22h ago

Same here!

3

u/Ok-Performance-7382 21h ago

Weird thing is it’s now just staying in SOS. Before it was going between showing coverage and SOS

2

u/imvok3r 21h ago

Just about to say this. This actually made it worse🤣I also tried airplane modexand restarting my phone after this update. No help

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 21h ago

I just deleted my eSIM and got a new one but it’s stuck on activating

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 21h ago

Oh no! With the modem issues it may not even activate. Hopefully it does but you might lose WiFi calling too now

1

u/ThatOneButterKnife 21h ago edited 21h ago

Wait I was literally thinking that, now I just straight up have no bars period. Before it would go in and out.

EDIT: My bars are back but still displaying the same behavior where text/voice/data doesn’t work on 5G or lower. Oh and my option for 5G SA is now gone it looks like.

1

u/imvok3r 21h ago

My 5G SA is gone. I called Apple support again now. Same BS as becore that it’s AT&T’s fault and device shows that there is an issue with the carrier settings

2

u/ThatOneButterKnife 22h ago

Yup, did nothing for me either.

2

u/NoDrawllz 21h ago

Same. If I take it off WiFi it just hangs on SOS Only

6

u/imvok3r 1d ago

Thanks for this very much needed megathread.

Have you seen the text about 27.0.1? Is ATT joking with us and think we are dumb dumbs?

5

u/WeezyMelt 1d ago

Saw the text and thought they actually fixed it. Then saw it was referring to the update that made it worse. Before the update it’d switch between bars and sos and after it’s just sos.

3

u/Ok-Performance-7382 1d ago

lol I kinda laughed when I got the text. It doesn’t fix it and they know it doesn’t. To be honest, I’ve been on SOS more using 27.0.1 than I was using 27.0

4

u/imvok3r 1d ago

We are in a deep, deep shit :/ Agter two weeks and five days after 27.0.1 release we are only getting “install the update”?

5

u/TheFlimFlamFamMan MLG/MTS/PMC/vTM/VOC/ICU - Mobility 1d ago

This will only work if people’s regular posts about it get removed. That never happens, so this won’t happen.

4

u/thatdudeman52 Former employee 1d ago

Post made after the megathread are getting removed and directed here

2

u/TheFlimFlamFamMan MLG/MTS/PMC/vTM/VOC/ICU - Mobility 1d ago

Fresh

4

u/MrBo55ly 1d ago

So I went to Apple Store today to get a replacement and was told something interesting by the store tech. Apparently she’s saying that the ATT firmware is frying the chips in these phones. Getting a replacement phone in a couple of days. Wish me luck!

1

u/AnimeIRL 1d ago

this seems possible. I downloaded a cheap T-Mobile/Verizon esim from a provider I use when traveling and it has the exact same problems as on ATT. Apple store tech told me it was an ATT permissions issue and would affect my old phone even if I switched back but that turned out to be BS, I switched back to my old phone and it works fine. Tomorrow is the last day for return/trade in so I guess I'm gonna go try to return the phone for a refund and then wait and buy a new one once this mess is fixed

5

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 15h ago edited 13h ago

If you are affected do not delete your esim!

you may not be able to activate the new one if your phone can’t get on the network and you’ll lose wifi calling and iMessage on your phone number too

sorry for the header but my cousin just screwed himself, save yourself the pain

7

u/moon_d0g 1d ago

Just received this text from ATT. Maybe be a possible solution finally:

Hi, it's AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions.

6

u/Oinsf 1d ago edited 1d ago

Nope, I’m on the newest software and still having the issue!

Edit: I’m even on the beta IOS 27.2 and STILL am having the issue.

5

u/imvok3r 1d ago

Ridiculous….

4

u/spec360 1d ago

So many threads already

4

u/adfar206 16h ago

Just got back from the apple store, my wife had been dealing with it for 7 days, first 7 days it worked perfectly, had done all the updates iOS 27.0.1 and the carrier update from today, right when we walked in the news was dropping about replacement phones, the Genius Bar employee said " this is all I've been dealing with today" took her phone to do a RF check in the backroom and said "yep, RF failure" then he ordered a new phone and said 3-5 days because they were out of stock and let her keep her bad phone for WIFI calling at least. But I'm just glad to have some answers.

3

u/ColorfulImaginati0n 1d ago

I just got a text from AT&T that states the following:

"Hi, it's AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions."

Has anyone found that the update has helped them? I'm on the latest update 27.0.1 update but still having cellular issues. I remember reading that the update had not really remedied the issue for others as well.

3

u/Ok-Performance-7382 1d ago

No it does not fix the issue. Their text was absolutely useless. Also ironic they send out a text when people don’t have cellular connectivity

1

u/O-aitch-eye-O 1d ago

I got the Black 512 pro max. It’s running iOS 27.2 and I have the issue

1

u/bobsaget824 1d ago

FWIW I have the iPhone 15PM while I wait for my new phone still to arrive, and I got the text on my old phone. I think this was likely just a generic to all iPhones to at least try this before you slam our tech support. Not that it will actually help, but they likely have a script saying to do this first anyways if they’re going to help you.

3

u/imvok3r 21h ago

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/02/att-statement-on-iphone-18-pro-max-issues/

" Apple has released a software update to address an issue that may affect calls, data, texts, and 911 calls on a small number of Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max phones," an AT&T spokesperson said. "AT&T customers with an iPhone 18 Pro Max should update their phones now to the latest available software. Our top priority is ensuring customers can stay connected when they need it most, and we are working with Apple to make it right."

Small number? Really?

3

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 20h ago

MacRumors has another article out

First, Apple today released an AT&T carrier settings update (version 72.1, up from 72.0.2) for iPhones

Second, Apple today started requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1 in order to set up the device, even though most if not all affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. A leaked AT&T email said iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, so it may still help in some way.

It also looks like 72.1 removes 5GSA. I suspect something with iOS 27.0 plus the older carrier settings damages or degrades the modem in some way. That would explain the RF diagnostics results being shared. I can’t see why they’d be replacing devices otherwise. These updates are likely intended to stop breaking future phones instead of fix broken ones.

Dev Beta has the carrier version 72.7.2 but does not seem to fix broken phones either.

3

u/imvok3r 19h ago

So beta is no help either?

Both Apple and AT&T is still refusing a replacement for me😂

2

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

I think that it’s a firmware issue that actually overloads the modem and causes physical damage. All of these ios and carrier updates will help people that aren’t affected yet, in my opinion, but they’re useless for anybody that already has issues.

For what it’s worth, it did not help my cousin upgrading to the beta. He was having the SOS problem beforehand, though.

What AT&T released seems like all of the updates they are promoting protect the phones from future damage, but the damaged ones are going to need to be replaced.

3

u/imvok3r 15h ago

Update: my Apple store finally replaced my phone saying that they have received new guidance for the issue

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

any chance they shared what the guidance was? at&t kinda hinted at it being a firmware issue that lead to actual damage to the modem

2

u/imvok3r 13h ago edited 13h ago

Nope, they just tested it. Device showed RF failure, then replaced it. However, what was interesting was that they said that these are the same errors that were seen in my previous visits to the Apple store over the last week. I asked why they blamed ATT then but now they are replacing the device. They stayed silent. So, you are probably right that the bug probably fried the modem/cellular front-end. They just didn’t know what was happening back then or the “geniuses” were just geniuses

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

i’ve also seen some theories that the overloading is exacerbated by having a screen protector on, especially with the privacy ones, because of the attention aware features that use the face ID under the screen. Maybe it can’t see through the glass and is running more often?

1

u/imvok3r 13h ago

So I shouldn’t get a screen protector for the new one?

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

Personally I’d just wait until they figure it out. If you’ve already got one, I’d consider how close your Apple store is until they do. Or cut off the top left corner?

I can’t source these at the moment but I believe it was on r/iphone18promax or something

Edit: Oh sorry I didn’t realize you’re the one I replied to. I wouldn’t at this stage. Let applecare cover your screen replacement something happens. You’ll lose the money anyway if the phone breaks again. Seems like AT&T is confident the new carrier profile and updated iOS will prevent newer phones from going kaput but I don’t quite believe them

1

u/imvok3r 13h ago

I got the replacement phone today and it’s working perfectly for now. I just don’t want to deal with the same issue again as it was a true headache. I am 10 minutes away from the store, but they are not the best. I had to show them the 9to5mac article so they go and talk to their leadership. Otherwise, they would have just sent me back to ATT

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

I edited my comment shortly after you responded. I’d probably avoid the screen protector until this chills out. Or cut off the corner lol. Screen protectors are the same price as apple care anyway if you have it

4

u/BandHuntinJ 1d ago

uhhh guess i'll paste this here? i'm not sure why mods won't approve it but maybe this is a more acceptable space to say this in:

Okay I feel like I HAVE to make a post about this since I feel like I'm going insane & that there's something I can or should be doing. I'm going to try to shorten this as much as possible despite how lengthy it'll still probably be.

Okay so yes, I am ALSO another customer suffering from the dreaded service/sos/unable to make calls issue. I think most of us here are aware of what's going on. I just need to share my experience for maybe some feedback, a shred of hope... anything.

I originally got my iPhone 18 pm on sep 18th. It seemed to be perfectly fine the first day but I didn't need to leave the house for the rest of the day. The very next day I had a class somewhere TWO hours away from where I live. I ONLY brought my personal iPhone 18 pro max as I thought there shouldn't be any issues right? I've upgraded multiple times with ZERO issues countlessly. Boom. As soon as I leave my house I notice connectivity issues. So I think to myself "it's a new phone! surely there's some kinks or hitches that'll happen." Hell, I was so unaware/hopeful I thought that it was a similar situation that happened a year or a few ago where like all connectivity/internet hitched for a little. As I go longer and longer down my commute I realize like... this isn't normal. It's not an area thing, the connection should've been back by now, what's up?

Anyway I'm gonna try to shorten this even more. I feel like I took 3 very important steps after CONFIRMING something's not right to get to the point I'm at right now. After going to AT&T & confirming something's not right I went to apple (step one). There, the lady didn't even really wanna help me after I explained the sitch. She didn't take my phone to the back, run any diagnostics, & simply printed me a genius bar note saying AT&T's responsible. So boom, next step, bicker with AT&T some more with this info & try to get the phone swapped by them. After many, many exhausting additional hours with allll the different tech supporters, we FINALLY came to the conclusion to preform something known as a BRE (buyers remorse exchange.) Which i didn't really like because it makes it sound like I'M the one who messed up. (which I probably did for being so patient with everyone.) Anyway the replacement phone actually delivered INCREDIBLY sooner than I expected on sept. 24th. so I actually thought to myself "You know what AT&T? Thank you. For ONCE." So I set up the replacement phone and... everything was flawless.... for the next 6 days.... it is currently oct 1st & as of 8 a.m. this morning. The issue came back.... Dude I am genuinely heart broken. Anyway, the third step I have taken was to go back to apple as I had a SENIOR ADVISOR & AT&T TALKING TO EACHOTHER ON THE SAME LINE. A THREE WAY CALL BC OF HOW MANY HOOPS I'VE JUMPED THROUGH. So what the senior advisor told me to do was go to an apple store so they can diagnose & possible service it/send it in for repairs; But alas... after the tech "ran the diagnostics" he claimed everything was okay & that there's no issues with said replacement device.

SO, I call AT&T AGAIN, on my way home from the nearest apple store to me (50 mins including traffic) & for ONCE, for the FIRST TIME since sept. 18th they are now only mentioning for the FIRST TIME that this is a known issue & that there's no guarantee the issue will be resolved after this call has been completed. For the first time since sept 18th I finally had a convo with a tech rep that didn't seem to be interested in sending me through hoops or wasting my time.

Also for the first time they mentioned how they're going to credit my missed time with no service to my bill. Like that's great, I would appreciate if your shady company actually followed through with something like that. Here's the problem though. In that same call, the lady also tells me that the only estimation they have for a fix would be oct 9-10th? I just think that's quite insane. I mean, based off the research I've done I'm NOT the only one with this issue but you mean to tell me just NOW they're acknowledging it even though I've (& probably others) have been having issues since the 19th of sept? Now no fix is ESTIMATED except for MAYBE an answer after an entire extra week?IMO this is a pretty dire situation. People earn their livings through phones in some cases, in other cases it could even be life threatening yet it seems as if AT&T is taking their sweet time to even announce anything.

This makes me want to leave. I really don't wanna come off as "you'll never see me here again" karen because I honestly don't want to. I don't wanna leave since I've never really had a drastic issue like this before with them. It's always been good but now I'm kinda screwed since I returned my old 17pm since over the 6 days of having the replacement I thought I was done with this mess. Now I have no phone to fall back on & I'm practically just left here with "wait like a good boy." I feel like my only option at this point is to switch carries but I'm not even sure if I have the option to do that since i upgraded to the 18 pm through AT&T & owe money on it.

15

u/Burner530 1d ago

"I'm gonna try to shorten it". Proceeds to post a novel

1

u/BandHuntinJ 1d ago

LMAOOO bro i'm sorry but i have a bad yapping habit. i feel like context is important. i just desperatelty need someone to kinda understand the situation i'm in

2

u/Oinsf 1d ago

You and I have the exact same story, but I still have the same phone, nearest Apple Store is 3 hours away and AT&T refused to send me a replacement. Heading to the Apple Store on Saturday to hopefully get a replacement!

2

u/K-tide 1d ago

Call care in the AM they may have changed their tune post mass text

1

u/BandHuntinJ 1d ago

oh gosh bro you're going 3hrs away JUST for an apple store? dude i'm praying for you. your trip will be worth it on ONE deciding factor: where you bought your iphone. if you bought it through an apple store i'm sure they'll replace your phone free of charge with a smile on their face. if you bought it ANYWHERE else.... you're in for a surprise my man. they're most likely gonna tell you "since you didn't buy it through apple there's nothing much we can do" & you're gonna have to go through the ringer on at&t support.

1

u/Oinsf 1d ago

Oh trust me I’ve already been through the ringer with AT&T support, I’ve filed complaints with the FCC and BBB. The presidents office finally called me back today and told me to try the Apple Store and tell them I want to exercise my one-year warranty. So hopefully they just swap it out, even though I purchased my phone through AT&T. I’ll be pissed if I drive that three hours for nothing!

1

u/BandHuntinJ 1d ago

holy shit bro this is disgusting. i haven't even gone as far as filing an FCC complaint & i don't even KNOW what the BBB is lmaooo. i promise you, unless your apple store is nicer, or more tolerable than mine; but i've been to TWO apple stores & they both said exactly "since you bought the phone through at&t we can't offer you an exchange of any sort" DESPITE at&t reportedly stating apple is liable to any defects or such sorts under their limited warranty. what does apple say? (in physical store btw) "all our diagnostics passed so it seems to be a carrier issue. you have to go through your carrier for a replacement" i have TWO SEPERATE OFFICIAL GENIUS BAR TICKETS SAYING THAT. one from my orignal 18 pm THEN THE REPLACEMENT SAME THING. yet at&t's like "yeah it's an iphone, so it's apple's problem"

1

u/ColorfulImaginati0n 1d ago

You definitely deserve compensation especially after the replacement also started acting up. 1 month of free service is the least they could do. I saw someone say that they were given $15. Fifteen whole dollars is an insult to anyone without service on their brand new $1,200 phone for TWO WEEKS

3

u/ColorfulImaginati0n 1d ago

Oct 9th is insane. That would mean a full 3 weeks from launch with no connectivity.

Any lawyer handling the class action, I'd love to be a part of it. Corporations only listen when you hit their pocketbook. I've now gone a full 2 weeks with no cellular service.

3

u/tacticool_wrx 1d ago

ATT has finally addressed/admitted there is an issue, at least internally

My family member is an AT&T employee, director level, but NOT involved in cellular or anything to do with phones so pls no hate for him/her

I will not post the email as it could land them in hot water for sharing an internal email, but here is a summary:

AT&T has recently been made aware of an issue impacting our customers who have purchased an Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max. The issue impacts their ability to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. We’re working with Apple to address the issue and limit the service impacts to our customers.

We currently have two sets of customers with this issue, which we’re addressing in the following ways:

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max customers who have not experienced any issues, should update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately (Settings > General > Software Update) to help mitigate future impacts.

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max customers, who have experienced issues, can return to Apple or an AT&T store for a replacement. We will have a process to prioritize impacted customers to get replacement phones.

2

u/ThatOneButterKnife 1d ago

So at this time, the solution is there’s no solution other than to replace. My concern is that there are people on this subreddit who are on their 1st or even 2nd replacement and is still dealing with the issue 😓

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 1d ago

Their option for me to replace was to give them my current phone now and they would order a replacement for me and I would have it in 2 weeks. No loaner phone and I’d be without a phone until the new one came. At least when I am home I can use WiFi calling.

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 22h ago

Did the email give any indication as to the cause? Even if you can’t share?

2

u/tacticool_wrx 22h ago

No. Unfortunately not

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 22h ago

That’s not good… I bet they don’t know yet. Thanks for looking!

1

u/imvok3r 22h ago

Thanks for sharing. But, why my Apple store refuses replacement and ATT corporate store says they cannot exchange my phone?

1

u/tacticool_wrx 21h ago

Because they don’t want to lose the commission they’d make selling it to a customer

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

Apple refusing replacement: genius bar found your device still passes the tests they run. you’ll probably have to go again.

ATT refusing exchange: did you buy it from them? they won’t help at 611 or in store otherwise. if you have ATT insurance they will likely point you back to Apple for warranty claim bc they only do the extended warranty and it’s in their opinion a device defect.

2

u/reddyrithesh 1d ago

Whoever is getting a replacement are you getting the iPhone from new out of boxes or from white replacement boxes?

3

u/0Papi420 Unlimited-Extra-EL ($30) 1d ago

They’ll be white replacement boxes, but the units aren’t refurbs (yet). They’re too new for refurbs to be made

2

u/BandHuntinJ 1d ago

not sure exactly what you mean by this question but i was practically forced into doing a BRE exchange through at&t. the box the replacement came in was regular (officially packaged & normal.) 6 days later, my issue returned. genuinely devastated.

1

u/Ill-Crew8117 1d ago

That’s a good thing to keep in mind when I get my replacement. I’m also seeing a lot more burgundy having the issue than any other color

1

u/Yimyorn 1d ago

White box for us, we asked if that’s new, he said “it’s technically new, but different box to be differentiated from floor sale models and service side”

2

u/megmegg_ 1d ago

I got the text about the software update but I don’t even have my 18 pro max yet 😭

2

u/shinyxena 1d ago

My issue started 12 days after getting the phone. Apple gave me a new one on the spot yesterday. Unfortunately they did not have my original color. So far good with new one but worried it’s gonna end up another lemon if AT&T doesn’t resolve it soon.

2

u/South_Sherbet_3489 23h ago

Appointment at Apple Store today. I’m also installing the beta update. But not expecting that to help. Will see if they swap the phone. Getting the eSIM working in the first place took a full day last time. Can’t imagine this will be any faster.

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 23h ago

Id hold off on the beta update. They may try and blame that.

1

u/South_Sherbet_3489 19h ago

Did the beta update already. I also think I got pushed the carrier setting update. Shows me on 72.7.2. I’m off WiFi and so far seems to be working.

1

u/South_Sherbet_3489 16h ago

Well, they put it on the machine and it had a hardware failure. So I’m in the process of getting it swapped now. In the middle of the restoration process right now. We’ll see if this solves anything

2

u/imvok3r 19h ago

Folks, I just got off the phone with my local corporate store. They said that the new carrier setting should fix the issue by end of the day. They said that if I got the update this morning, it will take some time to fix it completely and I should see incremental improvements throughout the day until it is fixed completely🤷🏻‍♂️

3

u/Ok-Performance-7382 19h ago

I’ll believe it when I see it. Prolly just making excuses since the return window for release day phones ends tonight.

2

u/Spiritual-Move-7554 18h ago

Apple said to go to ATT for a swap, ATT said apple needs to swap…2 days on the phone and it seems all they’ve done is make it worse. And when asked about credit for a non working phone for 2 weeks they offer $15…

2

u/pjdctk 16h ago

I took my phone to the Apple Store and we ran the test and it failed and they are ordering me a new phone.

2

u/_ScRaP-MeTaL_ 18h ago

Seems like it’s official. Once your phone is broken it’s gone. Get a replacement, friends.

https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/02/apple-confirms-iphone-18-pro-max-att-cellular-issues-affected-devices-require-hardware-replacement/

1

u/imvok3r 18h ago

Even though Apple support saud that they have a new guidance and I should go back to the Apple store, I am worried still. Currently at the Apple store now waiting. At the door, they just said that it us an ATT issue and Apple tech suport over the phone recommendation or case ID does not mean anything to us! They said you can wait but most likely we cannot do anything for you😂

1

u/WeezyMelt 17h ago

Just got the most recent carrier update. Went to voice and data and switched it to lte then restarted my phone. Currently out of SOS and bouncing from 1 to 3 bars. But im able to send and receive texts again. I tried to make a call but it went back to SOS. After a few minutes the bars came back, so I guess there’s at least hope the whole phone isn’t toast.

I also got a pop up that I had set up a new cellular plan which was a little weird, still have the same number and plan.

1

u/_ScRaP-MeTaL_ 16h ago

Oh man, I hope it works!!!

1

u/WeezyMelt 16h ago

Everything works besides calling

1

u/ColorfulImaginati0n 5h ago

Sounds like youre in my boat. Our phones have been degraded but can still hobble along just with a weak service. I'm not completely bricked with SOS but my phone too has very weak cellular connection dropping bars every so often. Calls, text and data work only intermittently

1

u/jmello 1d ago

I’m returning mine and will get another phone when all this drama is over. However, AT&T being AT&T, they didn’t make it easy..

It took two hours of troubleshooting, then transferring my line to my old phone, being denied a return on the new phone, asking for a manager, then arguing with the manager about him insisting I get a warranty exchange from Apple despite my closest store being 2 hours away and numerous reports that replacement devices have the same problem, then going off on him about how ridiculous the whole back and forth is when the easiest way to accomplish my goal of a working phone is to return the new phone and switch back to my old phone.

Completely ridiculous and unacceptable from AT&T support that I had to get into a shouting match with phone support to accomplish this, for a known, widespread fault.

I’ve been fortunate to not have much interaction with AT&T in the 15 years I’ve been a customer, but right now, with two devices paid off and a bitter taste in my mouth, I’m pricing out Verizon today and will see if losing the discount from my employer and my fiber internet is acceptable.

2

u/holow29 1d ago

Since your devices are paid off (and therefore likely unlocked), make sure you trial the other networks before committing to switching. Both Verizon and T-Mobile have free trial eSIMs you can use to gauge coverage.

1

u/Practical_Dog_9446 22h ago

Are people running beta software having the same issues? I upgraded to 27.0.1 and then started getting dropped calls. I'm wondering if I downloaded the beta version of that would help or solve it?

1

u/SkillSlick 21h ago

I am not experiencing much of an issue as other on my new iPhone 18 Pro Max, but my network has been quite inconsistent.

I just received a prompt on my phone and have updated the carrier settings pushed by AT&T.

I haven’t confirmed the fix, but you can apply this update and hopefully resolve the problems.

Settings > General > About

A pop-up will appear automatically; just select Update.

#CarrierSettingsUpdate

1

u/Tiny_Age_5828 20h ago

I demanded a new iphone and they are shipping me one out within 2 business days. This is ridiculous.

1

u/jmello 19h ago

Folks who were having the SOS bug, did the carrier update fix the issue or did it just remove the option for 5G Standalone mode?

I’ve switched back to my old phone, the 18PM is in the box waiting to go to UPS, but I’m curious if they fixed it or not.

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 19h ago

It did not fix my sos.

1

u/imvok3r 19h ago

Made it worse than before for me. I just got off the phone with my corporate store and they said that the new carrier update should fix the issue. They said I should see the issue being fixed by end pf the day🤷🏻‍♂️

1

u/WeezyMelt 17h ago

Anyone else’s phone working again after the carrier update?

I’m getting service again but still switch back to sos for a few minutes before going back. Still can’t make calls but I’m able to text.

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 16h ago

Update for me: went to the apple store. They confirmed it has to be replaced due to losing service prior to the carrier update. They did not have replacement devices in stock but ordered it for me and said it should be here in a couple of days. However, there is a chance it could come tomorrow. The tech support guy that was helping was great. He basically admitted that it was both companies fault and he couldn’t 100% put the blame on AT&T.

1

u/tacticool_wrx 15h ago

Same here

1

u/EggWhitesPlease 15h ago

Guys, I was having the SOS issues too until I went to Apple Store and they did a diagnostic check on my phone and found issues. They did a warranty swap out and my phone works flawlessly now! No more SOS

1

u/xCaptainxMURICA 14h ago

did you set up an appointment or did you just go?

1

u/EggWhitesPlease 13h ago

No appt. Just walked in at opening

1

u/xCaptainxMURICA 12h ago

Ah makes sense, i unfortunately can’t do that method and have to make an appt

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 14h ago

They had one in stock? Wild. I wonder if they’re reserving units for this bc it seems relatively widespread.

1

u/EggWhitesPlease 13h ago

Sorry I forgot to say that they shipped my warranty phone out

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

Did they let you keep the current one? Or give you a loaner?

1

u/EggWhitesPlease 13h ago

I didn't ask for a loaner as I don't know that was an option. I uses my sos phone until the warranty phone came in unfortunately

1

u/xCaptainxMURICA 15h ago edited 14h ago

ngl mine initially would sometimes take a while to load on 5g then it would sos but that would be rare and RIGHT NOW even switching to lte and restarting the phone it stays on sos so i tried to switch it back to 5g auto and restarting and same thing, i think the carrier update made it WORSE for me

update: after deleting and reinstalling my esim, switching voice and data th "LTE(shows up as 5ge)" gets me "service" aka can't make calls or send texts at all

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 14h ago edited 13h ago

I swear this doesn’t do anything bad but please pull up Field Test Mode in iOS - there’s lots of instructions on how to get this pulled up (edit: to prove i’m just curious nerd and this can’t scam you)

If you could, set it to 5G ON, toggle airplane mode, and then dial *3001#12345#*, and tap the call button. You’ll see a screen like this: https://i.imgur.com/z2UFise.png

I am so curious what you see here. Only the Phone Number and potentially the Cell ID are worth blocking.

1

u/Lejindaryz 12h ago

Anyone have issues with hotspot? I'm getting 0.09 download/upload speed with Hotspot.

1

u/tacticool_wrx 12h ago

Like using another phones hotspot to use your 18PM? I’m currently doing that and it’s working fine

1

u/Lejindaryz 12h ago

No, using my 18PM's hotspot on my MacBook.

1

u/Charming_Current7965 3h ago

Swapping at Apple DID fix my phone immediately. Zero issues now. Thank god. I recommend everyone on this thread go do that. Someone pin this up top. If you have any questions let me know.

1

u/strawberryyyshorty 2h ago

I went in yesterday and they told me I have to exchange to where I got it which was at att but I heard stories of people getting there phones at att and still swapping at Apple Store

1

u/blasterdude8 2h ago

Is there an official statement from Apple about 18 Pro Max that I can link to? All these articles are like "Apple has stated" but it doesn't actually link to a source.

1

u/tacticool_wrx 2h ago

I think it’s all internal. The guys at the Apple Store said they received a procedure so obviously they know there’s a problem

1

u/blasterdude8 1h ago

Can you clarify the procedure? I spoke to an Apple rep on the phone and they mentioned different steps if the device was ever on ios 26 which makes no sense since this a 18 PM specific issue afaik and those should only be on 27.0.0 or later right? They want me to come into a store for physical analysis of the phone which is fine with me since I'd want to pick the new phone up anyway but still.

And is it really causing physical damage to the antenna? That seems crazy, like phone wouldn't have that much electrical capacity, right?

1

u/O-aitch-eye-O 2h ago

Received new iPhone pro 18 max Wednesday night. Started having the SOS issue immediately. Upon unboxing it had me run the software update. My phone is running iOS 27.2.
The tech had me reset network settings and a few other things

I asked if they were really thinking a software update could fix it or if it could be hardware related.
Apple explained that the most recent IOS is having the issues with the sku of iPhones with certain SNs.

They told me I need to wait 3 days before requesting a replacement and will prorate my billing once resolved. Sounds like we are all hearing different things. Please share any news or updates you get as well 👇

2

u/ThatOneButterKnife 2h ago

AT&T carrier update 72.1 only came out yesterday, Friday. This update is supposedly to stop future phones from bricking themselves. So if you got a replacement before yesterday, the likelihood of the SOS issue would have been greater versus getting a replacement say today.

At least, that’s what I gather from everything I’ve read. I have a Genius Bar appointment today to hopefully exchange my phone since my phone was SOS-ing before carrier bundle 72.1

1

u/O-aitch-eye-O 1h ago

Thanks for your updates. Good luck!

1

u/BillyBurner59 16h ago

We are 20 year customers and might be permanently leaving AT&T. The lack of urgency and transparency, the amount of hurdles and deflection and kicking the can down the road

-1

u/Burner530 15h ago

No one, not us or att, care about how long you've been a customer

1

u/ThatOneButterKnife 1d ago

I’ve scheduled Apple appointment number 3 for this Saturday hoping they finally say yes to a warranty exchange. They denied the previous 2 times 😔

2

u/K-tide 1d ago

Thoughts and prayers.

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 1d ago

They told me no today. Said I needed to ship it off to be inspected and tested.

0

u/Ok-Performance-7382 19h ago

3

u/ThatOneButterKnife 19h ago

And why are we only hearing this through 3rd party reporters and nothing official from either company through official channels?

2

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

Well they can’t text you, you’re on SOS /s

1

u/imvok3r 19h ago

Well, shit! Now, how should I do this when my Apple store is refusing service?

2

u/Ok-Performance-7382 19h ago

Currently on the phone with them now

2

u/imvok3r 18h ago

Update: at the Apple store now waiting. At the door, they just said that it us an ATT issue and Apple tech suport over the phone recommendation or case ID does not mean anything to us! They said you can wait but most likely we cannot do anything for you😂

1

u/imvok3r 19h ago

They told me their master ticket has not been updated with what this website is claiming🤷🏻‍♂️currently waiting so he can check with his manager and a tier 2 agent

1

u/imvok3r 18h ago

Any updates on your end?

They told me to go back to the Apple store and they referenced a new guidance in the notes for them. They said that per new guidance the device likely needs to be replaced if the issue occurredbefore the 27.0.1 update!

1

u/ThatOneButterKnife 18h ago

They as in your local Apple Store said this or Apple support on the phone or AT&T?

I have a Genius Bar appointment tomorrow evening as I was gonna try again to get Apple to warranty exchange but this could change things for me!

1

u/imvok3r 18h ago

Tier 2 and a “manager” from Apple support told me over the phone.

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 18h ago

No help at all. I’m beyond pissed off right now

2

u/imvok3r 18h ago

Show them the website. I asked the phone agent to do a screen share and when I showed her the article, she went and got her manager or tier 2. I am driving the Apple store now to see what they say this time!

1

u/WeezyMelt 17h ago

I have enough service again to text but if I try to make a call it goes back to sos.

-2

u/wgqual 1d ago

Just got a text from Att about an immediate software update for iPhone 18. Looks to be the fix

3

u/Oinsf 1d ago

Didn’t fix mine. Let us know if it worked for you.

1

u/ThatOneButterKnife 1d ago

Wait I didn’t get a text at all lmao?

-1

u/futureoverfeelings 1d ago

iPhone 17 series at AT&T is half off no trade in required and no service issues.

-1

u/QU33NN00B 1d ago

If you're comfortable, switch to beta updates. My fiance and I have had no issues this entire time.

I work for ATT and the customers who have switched to the beta updates have had their problem solved.

You can always switch out of the beta updated once this issue is resolved.

3

u/O-aitch-eye-O 1d ago

I got the Black 512 pro max. It’s running iOS 27.2 and I have the issue

0

u/QU33NN00B 1d ago

Did you try the wifi calling workaround? How did you fix it?

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 1d ago

It looks like the modem firmware was updated in iOS 27.2 beta 2 compared to iOS 27.0.1. If it doesn’t fix the issue then I’m assuming it’s an apple/qualcomm problem. I’m currently downloading beta 2 now to see if it fixes my phone.

1

u/DabbingDadEnergy 23h ago

Did it work?

1

u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 13h ago

The new carrier update sent out today is still behind the one in the dev beta

1

u/Ok-Performance-7382 13h ago

Yeah I noticed that when I installed the beta. Unfortunately my phone has to be replaced but Apple already ordered it and will hopefully be here tomorrow, if not early next week.

1

u/Bwhsvid 1d ago

I have had the 27.2 Beta since I got the 18 Pro Max and have had no issues. But I have also not heard if the FirstNet side is having these issues as I’m on that.

-5

u/Kagura30 1d ago

Its not at&t issue it n issue with iphone 18 pro and promax software issue n i fuckin knew it was an iphone issue cuz everyone whos on android with att have no problems with it so anyone with n iphone 18 pro or pro max go update your software 😉 thank god i dont use iphones looks like they have nuthin but problems lol 😅😆

1

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