AT&T claims iOS 27.0.1 fixes iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues, but users disagree [U]

Chance Miller | Oct 2 2026 - 5:27 am PT

Update 1:50 p.m. PT: More details from Apple are available here:

Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max AT&T cellular issues, affected devices require hardware replacement

Since the iPhone 18 Pro Max launched, some AT&T customers have complained of various connectivity issues.

In a new text message to customers, AT&T says affected users should update their devices to iOS 26.0.1 to fix the issues … but early reports indicate the update doesn’t actually fix the problem.

AT&T tells iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1

In a thread on Reddit today, an AT&T customer says they received the following automated text message from the carrier:

Hi, it’s AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions.

Apple released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week. According to the release notes, the update addressed bugs related to Face ID and camera performance for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users. The release notes made no mention of any fixes for cellular connectivity problems impacting AT&T customers.

Early reports from AT&T users suggest that iOS 27.0.1 does not fix the connectivity problems affecting iPhone 18 Pro Max. Many affected users say they updated when iOS 27.0.1 was released on Monday and are still facing the same problems.

Affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users can’t connect to AT&T’s network for calls, texts, and data. The users see “SOS” in their iPhone’s status bar. The connectivity issues aren’t impacting every iPhone 18 Pro Max user, but they do appear to be relatively widespread.

Interestingly, the problems appear to be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which uses a Qualcomm modem. The iPhone 18 Pro, which uses Apple’s C2 modem, is seemingly unaffected by these AT&T connectivity issues.

Are you an iPhone 18 Pro Max user facing connectivity issues with AT&T? Does iOS 27.0.1 fix the problems? Let us know down in the comments.

Update 10:50 a.m. PT: In a statement to MacRumors, AT&T emphasized that affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users should update to iOS 27.0.1. The carrier added that it’s working with Apple to solve the problems. Apple also released an AT&T carrier settings update today.