Tech
Apple Confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max AT&T Cellular Issues, Affected Devices Require Hardware Replacement
Publication: Daring Fireball
Author: John Gruber
Source published: 02/10/2026, 20:47:02 UTC
Briefing created: 14/10/2026, 15:57:42 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 05/10/2026, 19:22:23 UTC.
Briefings
Apple confirmed an issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T, causing loss of service and requiring hardware replacement. The problem is linked to Qualcomm cellular modems used in U.S. 18 Pro Max devices, not Apple's C2 modem. Users see 'SOS' in their status bar instead of connectivity. An iOS 27.0.1 update was released to prevent future occurrences but cannot restore service to already affected devices. The carrier settings update will download automatically over the next 14 days. This issue is specific to AT&T customers and the 18 Pro Max model in the U.S. only.
Key points
- The issue affects a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T, causing loss of service and requiring hardware replacement.
- The problem is linked to Qualcomm cellular modems used in U.S. 18 Pro Max devices, not Apple's C2 modem.
Context and limitations
Coverage is limited to AT&T customers and U.S. 18 Pro Max devices using Qualcomm modems. The exact number of affected users is not specified, though anecdotal reports suggest it is not most devices. The issue is specific to AT&T and the 18 Pro Max model in the U.S. only.
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