Apple, AT&T Patch iPhone 18 Pro Max Cellular Bug, Offer Free Replacements
iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier-settings patch target the AT&T connectivity issue, but Apple says affected iPhone 18 Pro Max owners already hit by the bug will need a free replacement phone.
Apple and AT&T have released iOS 27.0.1 along with a carrier-settings patch aimed at preventing a connectivity bug that leaves some iPhone 18 Pro Max owners on AT&T's network unable to make calls or get cellular data, including dialing 911. Apple said the updates will not fix the situation for iPhone 18 Pro Max owners already experiencing the issue, according to CNET.
Affected owners who contact Apple Support or AT&T will receive a free replacement phone from Apple. Only iPhone 18 Pro Max models on AT&T's network are affected; T-Mobile, Verizon and Google Fi report no similar issues.
The iOS 27.0.1 update alone and the iOS 27.2 public beta did not resolve the connectivity problem for affected users.
Background
Barely three weeks ago, the iPhone 18 Pro Max arrived in customers' hands. Last week, some iPhone 18 Pro Max owners on AT&T's network reported no cellular access. MacRumors reported that AT&T sent a text message to iPhone 18 Pro Max owners encouraging them to update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately and estimates thousands of customers have been affected. On Friday, Apple said it was issuing a separate carrier-settings patch to pair with the iOS 27.0.1 update. In Reddit threads, some owners confirmed the 27.0.1 update by itself did not fix the problem.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max in the US is the only model with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem, per an iFixIt teardown. Qualcomm has been Apple's modem provider for years and that relationship is due to expire this year. According to a TechInsights teardown, the X80 modem is also used in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but a new millimeter-wave antenna has been added to the 18 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 18 Pro is equipped with Apple's C2 modem.
Quick answers
Which iPhone 18 Pro Max models are affected by the connectivity bug?
Only iPhone 18 Pro Max models on AT&T's network are affected. T-Mobile, Verizon and Google Fi report no similar issues.
Will iOS 27.0.1 fix the problem for affected users?
No. Apple said the updates will not fix the situation for iPhone 18 Pro Max owners already experiencing the issue. Affected owners who contact Apple Support or AT&T will receive a free replacement phone.
What should I do if my iPhone 18 Pro Max on AT&T can't make calls?
Contact Apple Support or AT&T. Apple will provide a free replacement phone to affected iPhone 18 Pro Max owners.