Apple Will Replace Broken iPhone 18 Pro Max Units for Free: The Phones Permanently Lose AT&T Service
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03.10.2026 15:48
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2 min read
In early October 2026, Apple officially acknowledged a critical bug in the new iPhone 18 Pro Max. Some phones running on the network of the US carrier AT&T lose cellular service entirely, dropping into “SOS Only” mode. Calls, SMS and mobile data stop working. The main problem is that once a device has already lost the network, a software patch won’t save it — the company recommends visiting an official service center for a hardware replacement.
For those whose phones still connect to the network, the developers rushed out iOS 27.0.1 and fresh AT&T carrier profile settings (version 72.1). According to 9to5Mac, installing this update prevents the failure from occurring. You can check for the new carrier configurations manually in the “About This Device” settings menu. You should update as soon as possible: carrier representatives previously warned that the bug blocks even the ability to call 911.
Replacements Instead of a Global Recall
For users whose devices are already affected, Apple suggests contacting support or AT&T stores directly to get a new unit. Rumors of a large-scale recall of the entire lineup began circulating on social media, but according to MacRumors, the manufacturer has not yet launched a global service campaign. This is only about individual replacements for a relatively small number of affected iPhones.
Is the Cause Different Modems?
What makes this situation unusual is the hardware specifics of the affected model. The bug appeared only on US versions of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. According to official specifications, this is the variant for the US market that ships with a third-party 5G modem from Qualcomm.
By comparison, the smaller iPhone 18 Pro and the flagship Pro Max versions for the European and Asian markets come with Apple’s own C2 in-house communications chip. No similar connectivity problems have been reported on devices with the Apple modem. The company itself, however, is holding back on sharp comments and has not yet called Qualcomm’s hardware the direct cause of the critical failure.
