Apple has decided to replace the affected devices free of cost after a serious mobile connectivity issue faced by some users of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The issue has particularly emerged in iPhone 18 Pro Max devices being used on the network of US telecommunications company AT&T. Due to the fault, some users lost mobile service, because of which it became impossible to contact the emergency number 911 along with making regular phone calls.
According to media reports, several users complained last week about suddenly losing mobile service. Following this, concerns were raised that the issue could affect a large number of iPhone users.
Apple also released a software update
Apple has released iOS 27.0.1 and new carrier settings updates to prevent the issue from spreading to more devices. However, this update cannot restore mobile service on iPhones that have already been affected by the fault.
According to technology reports, for such users, Apple has decided to provide a free replacement for the affected iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple and AT&T have instructed affected users to contact the relevant support teams if the cellular service on their phone stops working.
Some users said on online forums that their mobile service was not restored even after installing iOS 27.0.1. Some users also tried the public beta version of iOS 27.2, but the issue remained.
Which iPhones have the problem appeared in?
According to initial information, the fault is currently limited to iPhone 18 Pro Max devices being used on the AT&T network.
No reports of this type of fault have emerged from T-Mobile and Verizon users. Similarly, the regular iPhone 18 Pro being used on the AT&T network has not been affected by this issue.
Is the fault caused by hardware?
According to experts, the issue may not be related only to software but also to the phone’s hardware. The iPhone 18 Pro uses Apple’s C2 modem, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max sold in the United States has a Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem installed.
According to the device repair and analysis company iFixit, the iPhone 18 Pro Max also includes new millimeter-wave antenna technology. According to technology analysis company TechInsights, the Snapdragon X80 modem had previously also been used in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The purpose of the software and carrier settings updates released by Apple is to protect more devices from this fault in the future. However, for iPhone 18 Pro Max users whose mobile service on AT&T has already stopped working, Apple has decided to replace the affected phone free of cost instead of repairing it.