ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Some iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T are shedding mobile service.
- Apple stated two updates will help forestall the problem.
- Affected telephones require a free {hardware} alternative.
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 information, two new software program updates gained’t be sufficient to get it working once more. However Apple will change the cellphone free of charge.
A few weeks in the past, iPhone 18 Professional Max house owners on AT&T started reporting that they had 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 problem affecting “a small variety of iPhone 18 Professional Max customers” on AT&T’s community might trigger their gadgets 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 provider settings replace as we speak,” Apple stated. “These updates collectively are supposed to assist forestall this situation from occurring.”
Because the updates are meant to forestall the problem, they gained’t repair gadgets already affected. These would require a alternative, in response to Apple.
What’s taking place?
iPhone 18 Professional Max house owners on Reddit have reported randomly shedding their connection to AT&T, with telephones switching to SOS mode. Whereas Wi-Fi nonetheless works, they’ll’t make calls, ship texts, or use information 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Additionally: 7 iOS 27 options that make outdated iPhones thrilling once more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 out there for affected telephones. “Some telephones could also be unable to finish calls/textual content/information, together with to 911,” the cell provider stated. “Replace to iOS 27.0.1 instantly — Settings > Common > Software program Replace.”
Apple has not offered a precise variety of affected gadgets, although it has solely noticed the problem amongst iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T.
What’s inflicting the AT&T situation?
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 latest iFixit teardown exhibits the US model of the cellphone makes use of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem.
Additionally: Your iPhone simply obtained a hidden anti-scam improve in iOS 27
Nevertheless, 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 accordance with Apple, two new updates for iPhone 18 Professional Max customers on AT&T are meant 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
In case 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 also be urging clients to put in the replace.
2. Set up the provider settings replace
Subsequent, set up a brand new provider settings replace in your iPhone 18 Professional Max. It is going to robotically obtain for AT&T customers over the subsequent 14 days, in response to Apple. To manually set off it, go to Settings > Common > About.
What should you already misplaced service?
In case your iPhone 18 Professional Max is already with out AT&T mobile service due to this situation, it can’t be reactivated by way of software program updates and requires a {hardware} alternative as an alternative, Apple stated. The corporate confirmed to ZDNET that replacements will probably be offered freed from cost.
Additionally: 5 iOS 27 upgrades that make an enormous distinction – and why I really like them
So, affected house owners can:
- Contact Apple Assist or AT&T.
- Go to an Apple Retailer or an AT&T location.
When contacting assist, clarify you will 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 provider settings replace. From there, request your free alternative.
AT&T beforehand informed ZDNET that clients who proceed to expertise issues ought to search further assist from Apple or an AT&T retailer. “Our prime precedence is guaranteeing 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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