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Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues on AT&T require device replacement

Apple has confirmed that a bug is disrupting cellular service for certain iPhone 18 Pro Max models on AT&T, leaving affected units stuck in SOS mode and requiring a full hardware replacement.

Close-up rendering of the rear camera module and upper corner of a light blue iPhone against a blue background.
Image: @iPhoneinCanada

Apple has confirmed a cellular glitch impacting iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T, acknowledging that affected units cannot be fixed via software and must undergo a physical hardware replacement. According to Bloomberg and 9to5Mac, a bug caused a small number of AT&T customers who recently upgraded to lose cellular connectivity. Engadget reported that the hardware defect causes devices to drop into SOS mode, while ZDNET noted that users are unable to call or text.[1][2][4][7]

Apple is asking affected US owners to swap their devices and will provide replacements free of charge, according to reports from The Economic Times and ZDNET. iPhone in Canada reported that Canadian models are unaffected by the glitch. Frank-News noted that upcoming software updates are expected to prevent future devices from losing AT&T connectivity, but units already hit by the flaw must be swapped out.[3][5][6][7][8]

Key facts

  • Apple confirmed a cellular issue affecting iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T and stated that impacted phones require hardware replacement.
  • The bug impacts a small number of AT&T customers who recently upgraded to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
  • The issue leaves affected devices stuck in SOS mode and unable to make calls or send text messages.
  • Apple will replace affected iPhone 18 Pro Max units for US users at no cost.
  • Devices in Canada are unaffected by the AT&T cellular issue.
  • Future software updates are expected to prevent new occurrences, but already affected devices cannot be resolved via software.

Sources · 8 sources

  1. 9T

    9to5Mac@9to5macPost on X ·

    Apple confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max AT&T cellular issues, affected devices require hardware replacement https://t.co/Ok0VGh8f9f by @ChanceHMiller

    Open source
  2. EN

    Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·

    Experiencing SOS mode on your iPhone 18 Pro Max with AT&T? Apple confirms a hardware issue and details who needs a replacement. https://t.co/Le1UfCju73

    Open source
  3. MC

    MacRumors.com@MacRumorsPost on X ·

    Apple Says iPhone 18 Pro Max Users With AT&T Cellular Issue Need to Have Device Replaced https://t.co/4Ys4DWeqZl https://t.co/Hf10dxfTnq

    Open source
  4. BL

    Bloomberg@businessPost on X ·

    Apple said “a small number” of AT&T customers who recently upgraded to the company’s iPhone 18 Pro Max will need to replace their devices after a bug caused them to lose cell service https://t.co/cVA4fYu0ps

    Open source
  5. ET

    Economic Times@EconomicTimesPost on X ·

    iPhone 18 Pro Max users face major AT&T glitch: Apple asks some US users to swap phones https://t.co/j32lHDIryv

    Open source
  6. FN

    Frank-News@francobocaPost on X ·

    PHONES & SOFTWARE Android Apple confirms iPhone cellular issue, admits affected units can't be fixed Software updates should prevent iPhone 18 Pro Max devices from losing AT&T service in the future, but if it's already affected, you'll need a... https://t.co/kqHpD1Bd2H

    Open source
  7. ZD

    ZDNET@ZDNETPost on X ·

    iPhone 18 Pro Max can’t call or text on AT&T? Apple will replace it for free - ZDNET https://t.co/gKp5TcH0oe

    Open source
  8. II

    iPhone in Canada@iPhoneinCanadaPost on X ·

    Apple Confirms iPhone 18 Pro Max AT&T Issue, Canada Unaffected https://t.co/3pKR18nLKY https://t.co/DBdxTzzuOl

    Open source