ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Some iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T are dropping mobile service.
- Apple stated two updates can assist forestall the problem.
- Affected telephones require a free {hardware} substitute.
In case your iPhone 18 Professional Max has misplaced service on AT&T and is unable to make calls, ship texts, and even use cell knowledge, two new software program updates gained’t be sufficient to get it working once more. However Apple will substitute the cellphone free of charge.
A few weeks in the past, iPhone 18 Professional Max house owners on AT&T started reporting they’d misplaced mobile service. AT&T initially directed clients 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 difficulty affecting “a small variety of iPhone 18 Professional Max customers” on AT&T’s community might trigger their units 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 immediately,” Apple stated. “These updates collectively are supposed to assist forestall this problem from occurring.”
For the reason that updates are supposed to forestall the problem, they gained’t repair units already affected. These would require a substitute, in keeping with Apple.
What’s taking place?
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 will’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Additionally: 7 iOS 27 options that make outdated iPhones thrilling once more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 clients 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 cell service stated. “Replace to iOS 27.0.1 instantly — Settings > Common > Software program Replace.”
Apple has not offered an actual variety of affected units, although it has solely noticed the problem amongst iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T.
What’s inflicting the AT&T problem?
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 web site, CNET, famous a current iFixit teardown exhibits the US model of the cellphone makes use of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem.
Additionally: Your iPhone simply acquired a hidden anti-scam improve in iOS 27
Nonetheless, CNET additionally cited a TechInsights teardown that exhibits 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
In keeping with Apple, two new updates for iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T are supposed to assist forestall the mobile connection downside, however they gained’t restore service to telephones already affected.
1. Set up the iOS 27.0.1 software program replace
When you have an iPhone 18 Professional Max on AT&T, Apple strongly recommends putting in iOS 27.0.1. To verify for the replace, go to Settings > Common > Software program Replace. AT&T can be urging clients 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 keeping with Apple. To manually set off it, go to Settings > Common > About.
What in the event you already misplaced service?
In case your iPhone 18 Professional Max is already with out AT&T mobile service due to this problem, it can’t be reactivated by way of software program updates and requires a {hardware} substitute as an alternative, Apple stated. The corporate confirmed to ZDNET that replacements might be offered freed from cost.
Additionally: 5 iOS 27 upgrades that make a giant distinction – and why I like them
So, affected house owners can:
- Contact Apple Help or AT&T.
- Go to an Apple Retailer or an AT&T location.
When contacting help, clarify you might 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 substitute.
AT&T beforehand instructed ZDNET that clients who proceed to expertise issues ought to search extra help from Apple or an AT&T retailer. “Our high precedence is making certain clients can keep linked after they want it most, and we’re working with Apple to make it proper,” AT&T stated.
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