Summary
- Apple has confirmed a connectivity issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T in the United States.
- iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier settings update are intended to help prevent additional cases.
- Devices that have already lost service because of the issue require a hardware replacement.
- Apple has not publicly identified the specific component responsible.
Apple has confirmed a connectivity issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on the AT&T network in the United States, with devices that have already lost service requiring a hardware replacement.
The issue can leave an iPhone without cellular service, preventing calls and showing SOS status. Apple has released iOS 27.0.1 and is also distributing a carrier settings update intended to help prevent the issue from affecting additional devices.
The updates are preventive
The key distinction is that the two updates are intended to prevent new cases. They do not restore cellular service on iPhone 18 Pro Max devices that have already been affected and lost their AT&T connection.
AT&T says iPhone 18 Pro Max owners should install the latest available software, iOS 27.0.1. The carrier settings update is rolling out automatically and can also be checked immediately through Settings > General > About.
Phones that have already lost service need replacement
For devices that have already lost service because of this specific issue, the solution is not another software installation but a hardware replacement. Affected users in the US are directed to Apple or AT&T for support and device replacement.
No exact number of affected devices has been disclosed beyond the description of a small number of users, and Apple has not identified the specific component responsible. The problem therefore cannot be conclusively attributed to the modem or another individual subsystem.
What this means outside the US
The confirmed case concerns iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on the AT&T network in the United States. There is no evidence in the confirmed information that this is a general issue affecting every iPhone 18 Pro Max or devices sold in Greece.
What we think
The need to replace an already affected device makes the incident serious for users facing a complete loss of cellular service. At the same time, the confirmed information is specific to a particular model and network, so it should not be generalized to the entire iPhone 18 Pro range.
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhones are affected?
The confirmed case affects a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T in the United States.
Does iOS 27.0.1 restore a phone that has already lost service?
No. The updates are intended to prevent additional cases, while a device that has already lost service because of this issue requires a hardware replacement.
How can users check for the carrier settings update?
Open Settings > General > About on the iPhone. The update may also install automatically when it becomes available.
Has the cause been confirmed?
No. Apple has not publicly identified the specific component responsible, so attributing the issue to a particular modem or other component is not established.
