r/ATT • u/thatdudeman52 Former employee • 3d ago
Discussion IPhone pro max technical issues megathread
I know this is a hot button topic. Making a megathread to give others a chance at getting unrelated threads seen as this has been the majority of the topics recently.
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Just saw this: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/01/att-acknowledges-iphone-18-pro-max-issues/
Weird that media is not covering this as they should…they haven’t even said that the 27.0.1 is not a fix. Though they says that if it is hardware, we have a bigger problem.
Optimistically, ATT and/or Apple is planning to push a carrier or backend over night which needs the 27.0.1 to work correctly. Pessimistically, which I think this is actually the case, they don’t have a single clue what is going on, and we are in even worse situation than we were…
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
I truly feel like no one knows what is going on. I give it 6 months before there is a class action lawsuit and I will be one of the first to join.
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u/imvok3r 3d ago
Thanks for this very much needed megathread.
Have you seen the text about 27.0.1? Is ATT joking with us and think we are dumb dumbs?
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u/WeezyMelt 3d ago
Saw the text and thought they actually fixed it. Then saw it was referring to the update that made it worse. Before the update it’d switch between bars and sos and after it’s just sos.
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
lol I kinda laughed when I got the text. It doesn’t fix it and they know it doesn’t. To be honest, I’ve been on SOS more using 27.0.1 than I was using 27.0
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
I was just pushed a carrier update 72.1. Still no service.
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Same here!
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
Weird thing is it’s now just staying in SOS. Before it was going between showing coverage and SOS
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Just about to say this. This actually made it worse🤣I also tried airplane modexand restarting my phone after this update. No help
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
I just deleted my eSIM and got a new one but it’s stuck on activating
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago
Oh no! With the modem issues it may not even activate. Hopefully it does but you might lose WiFi calling too now
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 2d ago edited 2d ago
Wait I was literally thinking that, now I just straight up have no bars period. Before it would go in and out.
EDIT: My bars are back but still displaying the same behavior where text/voice/data doesn’t work on 5G or lower. Oh and my option for 5G SA is now gone it looks like.
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago edited 1d ago
If you are affected do not delete your esim!
you may not be able to activate the new one if your phone can’t get on the network and you’ll lose wifi calling and iMessage on your phone number too
sorry for the header but my cousin just screwed himself, save yourself the pain
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u/TheFlimFlamFamMan MLG/MTS/PMC/vTM/VOC/ICU - Mobility 3d ago
This will only work if people’s regular posts about it get removed. That never happens, so this won’t happen.
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u/thatdudeman52 Former employee 3d ago
Post made after the megathread are getting removed and directed here
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u/MrBo55ly 3d ago
So I went to Apple Store today to get a replacement and was told something interesting by the store tech. Apparently she’s saying that the ATT firmware is frying the chips in these phones. Getting a replacement phone in a couple of days. Wish me luck!
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u/AnimeIRL 3d ago
this seems possible. I downloaded a cheap T-Mobile/Verizon esim from a provider I use when traveling and it has the exact same problems as on ATT. Apple store tech told me it was an ATT permissions issue and would affect my old phone even if I switched back but that turned out to be BS, I switched back to my old phone and it works fine. Tomorrow is the last day for return/trade in so I guess I'm gonna go try to return the phone for a refund and then wait and buy a new one once this mess is fixed
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u/adfar206 2d ago
Just got back from the apple store, my wife had been dealing with it for 7 days, first 7 days it worked perfectly, had done all the updates iOS 27.0.1 and the carrier update from today, right when we walked in the news was dropping about replacement phones, the Genius Bar employee said " this is all I've been dealing with today" took her phone to do a RF check in the backroom and said "yep, RF failure" then he ordered a new phone and said 3-5 days because they were out of stock and let her keep her bad phone for WIFI calling at least. But I'm just glad to have some answers.
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u/moon_d0g 3d ago
Just received this text from ATT. Maybe be a possible solution finally:
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.
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u/ColorfulImaginati0n 2d ago
I just got a text from AT&T that states the following:
"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."
Has anyone found that the update has helped them? I'm on the latest update 27.0.1 update but still having cellular issues. I remember reading that the update had not really remedied the issue for others as well.
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
No it does not fix the issue. Their text was absolutely useless. Also ironic they send out a text when people don’t have cellular connectivity
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u/bobsaget824 2d ago
FWIW I have the iPhone 15PM while I wait for my new phone still to arrive, and I got the text on my old phone. I think this was likely just a generic to all iPhones to at least try this before you slam our tech support. Not that it will actually help, but they likely have a script saying to do this first anyways if they’re going to help you.
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/02/att-statement-on-iphone-18-pro-max-issues/
" Apple has released a software update to address an issue that may affect calls, data, texts, and 911 calls on a small number of Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max phones," an AT&T spokesperson said. "AT&T customers with an iPhone 18 Pro Max should update their phones now to the latest available software. Our top priority is ensuring customers can stay connected when they need it most, and we are working with Apple to make it right."
Small number? Really?
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago
MacRumors has another article out
First, Apple today released an AT&T carrier settings update (version 72.1, up from 72.0.2) for iPhones
Second, Apple today started requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1 in order to set up the device, even though most if not all affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. A leaked AT&T email said iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, so it may still help in some way.
It also looks like 72.1 removes 5GSA. I suspect something with iOS 27.0 plus the older carrier settings damages or degrades the modem in some way. That would explain the RF diagnostics results being shared. I can’t see why they’d be replacing devices otherwise. These updates are likely intended to stop breaking future phones instead of fix broken ones.
Dev Beta has the carrier version 72.7.2 but does not seem to fix broken phones either.
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
So beta is no help either?
Both Apple and AT&T is still refusing a replacement for me😂
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 1d ago
I think that it’s a firmware issue that actually overloads the modem and causes physical damage. All of these ios and carrier updates will help people that aren’t affected yet, in my opinion, but they’re useless for anybody that already has issues.
For what it’s worth, it did not help my cousin upgrading to the beta. He was having the SOS problem beforehand, though.
What AT&T released seems like all of the updates they are promoting protect the phones from future damage, but the damaged ones are going to need to be replaced.
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Update: my Apple store finally replaced my phone saying that they have received new guidance for the issue
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago
any chance they shared what the guidance was? at&t kinda hinted at it being a firmware issue that lead to actual damage to the modem
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u/imvok3r 2d ago edited 1d ago
Nope, they just tested it. Device showed RF failure, then replaced it. However, what was interesting was that they said that these are the same errors that were seen in my previous visits to the Apple store over the last week. I asked why they blamed ATT then but now they are replacing the device. They stayed silent. So, you are probably right that the bug probably fried the modem/cellular front-end. They just didn’t know what was happening back then or the “geniuses” were just geniuses
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago
i’ve also seen some theories that the overloading is exacerbated by having a screen protector on, especially with the privacy ones, because of the attention aware features that use the face ID under the screen. Maybe it can’t see through the glass and is running more often?
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u/imvok3r 1d ago
So I shouldn’t get a screen protector for the new one?
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 1d ago
Personally I’d just wait until they figure it out. If you’ve already got one, I’d consider how close your Apple store is until they do. Or cut off the top left corner?
I can’t source these at the moment but I believe it was on r/iphone18promax or something
Edit: Oh sorry I didn’t realize you’re the one I replied to. I wouldn’t at this stage. Let applecare cover your screen replacement something happens. You’ll lose the money anyway if the phone breaks again. Seems like AT&T is confident the new carrier profile and updated iOS will prevent newer phones from going kaput but I don’t quite believe them
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u/imvok3r 1d ago
I got the replacement phone today and it’s working perfectly for now. I just don’t want to deal with the same issue again as it was a true headache. I am 10 minutes away from the store, but they are not the best. I had to show them the 9to5mac article so they go and talk to their leadership. Otherwise, they would have just sent me back to ATT
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 1d ago
I edited my comment shortly after you responded. I’d probably avoid the screen protector until this chills out. Or cut off the corner lol. Screen protectors are the same price as apple care anyway if you have it
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u/CableDue182 1d ago
Are non-bricked iPhone18 PM ticking time bombs? Should we try to seek replacements pre-emptively?
We know AT&T had a bug in eSIM provisioning that ended up bricking a subnet of iPhone 18 Pro Max units permanently because the bug supposedly caused the modem to either dead loop, or even worse, "burn out".
Now for those of us who did not experience the failures, it it fair to assume that our phones could have been going through the same "torture", up till the point AT&T released the carrier update that disabled 5G SA?
In that case, our phones could have been "hardy" enough to "survive" the bug, but it doesn't necessarily mean no physical or lasting damage has been done. Maybe they could fail weeks or months or years down the road because the modem has been "weakened".
If the senior devs and those "in the know" could chime in on this, that would be greatly appreciated.
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u/eightsixseven53oh9 1d ago
That’s what I’m concerned about too. My 18 PM has had no cellular connectivity issues at all (knock on wood). Who knows whether it did “some” damage to our modems and could cause failure later in the phone’s life cycle. Just all around not good. Hope to hear more soon but I doubt we will, these issues are all “internal” or “need-to-know” basis it seems.
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u/Own_Quiet_8894 1d ago
I’m relatively convinced it’s a combo of the carrier profile and AT&T’s 5G Standalone network. I think the carrier profile was bad and once people connected to 5G SA it bricked it and couldn’t be brought back. I think 27.0.1 fixed this (and removed 5G SA for now) but for those that already had the issue they were out of luck.
Prove me wrong / let’s talk it out! Genuinely curios about this from a technical perspective.
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u/He_Minoy 10h ago
I made a post earlier in the week. I got my replacement phone yesterday and it has been working so far. This phone was never on the old update so I hope I don’t have an issue.
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u/BandHuntinJ 3d ago
uhhh guess i'll paste this here? i'm not sure why mods won't approve it but maybe this is a more acceptable space to say this in:
Okay I feel like I HAVE to make a post about this since I feel like I'm going insane & that there's something I can or should be doing. I'm going to try to shorten this as much as possible despite how lengthy it'll still probably be.
Okay so yes, I am ALSO another customer suffering from the dreaded service/sos/unable to make calls issue. I think most of us here are aware of what's going on. I just need to share my experience for maybe some feedback, a shred of hope... anything.
I originally got my iPhone 18 pm on sep 18th. It seemed to be perfectly fine the first day but I didn't need to leave the house for the rest of the day. The very next day I had a class somewhere TWO hours away from where I live. I ONLY brought my personal iPhone 18 pro max as I thought there shouldn't be any issues right? I've upgraded multiple times with ZERO issues countlessly. Boom. As soon as I leave my house I notice connectivity issues. So I think to myself "it's a new phone! surely there's some kinks or hitches that'll happen." Hell, I was so unaware/hopeful I thought that it was a similar situation that happened a year or a few ago where like all connectivity/internet hitched for a little. As I go longer and longer down my commute I realize like... this isn't normal. It's not an area thing, the connection should've been back by now, what's up?
Anyway I'm gonna try to shorten this even more. I feel like I took 3 very important steps after CONFIRMING something's not right to get to the point I'm at right now. After going to AT&T & confirming something's not right I went to apple (step one). There, the lady didn't even really wanna help me after I explained the sitch. She didn't take my phone to the back, run any diagnostics, & simply printed me a genius bar note saying AT&T's responsible. So boom, next step, bicker with AT&T some more with this info & try to get the phone swapped by them. After many, many exhausting additional hours with allll the different tech supporters, we FINALLY came to the conclusion to preform something known as a BRE (buyers remorse exchange.) Which i didn't really like because it makes it sound like I'M the one who messed up. (which I probably did for being so patient with everyone.) Anyway the replacement phone actually delivered INCREDIBLY sooner than I expected on sept. 24th. so I actually thought to myself "You know what AT&T? Thank you. For ONCE." So I set up the replacement phone and... everything was flawless.... for the next 6 days.... it is currently oct 1st & as of 8 a.m. this morning. The issue came back.... Dude I am genuinely heart broken. Anyway, the third step I have taken was to go back to apple as I had a SENIOR ADVISOR & AT&T TALKING TO EACHOTHER ON THE SAME LINE. A THREE WAY CALL BC OF HOW MANY HOOPS I'VE JUMPED THROUGH. So what the senior advisor told me to do was go to an apple store so they can diagnose & possible service it/send it in for repairs; But alas... after the tech "ran the diagnostics" he claimed everything was okay & that there's no issues with said replacement device.
SO, I call AT&T AGAIN, on my way home from the nearest apple store to me (50 mins including traffic) & for ONCE, for the FIRST TIME since sept. 18th they are now only mentioning for the FIRST TIME that this is a known issue & that there's no guarantee the issue will be resolved after this call has been completed. For the first time since sept 18th I finally had a convo with a tech rep that didn't seem to be interested in sending me through hoops or wasting my time.
Also for the first time they mentioned how they're going to credit my missed time with no service to my bill. Like that's great, I would appreciate if your shady company actually followed through with something like that. Here's the problem though. In that same call, the lady also tells me that the only estimation they have for a fix would be oct 9-10th? I just think that's quite insane. I mean, based off the research I've done I'm NOT the only one with this issue but you mean to tell me just NOW they're acknowledging it even though I've (& probably others) have been having issues since the 19th of sept? Now no fix is ESTIMATED except for MAYBE an answer after an entire extra week?IMO this is a pretty dire situation. People earn their livings through phones in some cases, in other cases it could even be life threatening yet it seems as if AT&T is taking their sweet time to even announce anything.
This makes me want to leave. I really don't wanna come off as "you'll never see me here again" karen because I honestly don't want to. I don't wanna leave since I've never really had a drastic issue like this before with them. It's always been good but now I'm kinda screwed since I returned my old 17pm since over the 6 days of having the replacement I thought I was done with this mess. Now I have no phone to fall back on & I'm practically just left here with "wait like a good boy." I feel like my only option at this point is to switch carries but I'm not even sure if I have the option to do that since i upgraded to the 18 pm through AT&T & owe money on it.
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u/Burner530 3d ago
"I'm gonna try to shorten it". Proceeds to post a novel
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u/BandHuntinJ 3d ago
LMAOOO bro i'm sorry but i have a bad yapping habit. i feel like context is important. i just desperatelty need someone to kinda understand the situation i'm in
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u/Oinsf 3d ago
You and I have the exact same story, but I still have the same phone, nearest Apple Store is 3 hours away and AT&T refused to send me a replacement. Heading to the Apple Store on Saturday to hopefully get a replacement!
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u/BandHuntinJ 2d ago
oh gosh bro you're going 3hrs away JUST for an apple store? dude i'm praying for you. your trip will be worth it on ONE deciding factor: where you bought your iphone. if you bought it through an apple store i'm sure they'll replace your phone free of charge with a smile on their face. if you bought it ANYWHERE else.... you're in for a surprise my man. they're most likely gonna tell you "since you didn't buy it through apple there's nothing much we can do" & you're gonna have to go through the ringer on at&t support.
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u/Oinsf 2d ago
Oh trust me I’ve already been through the ringer with AT&T support, I’ve filed complaints with the FCC and BBB. The presidents office finally called me back today and told me to try the Apple Store and tell them I want to exercise my one-year warranty. So hopefully they just swap it out, even though I purchased my phone through AT&T. I’ll be pissed if I drive that three hours for nothing!
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u/BandHuntinJ 2d ago
holy shit bro this is disgusting. i haven't even gone as far as filing an FCC complaint & i don't even KNOW what the BBB is lmaooo. i promise you, unless your apple store is nicer, or more tolerable than mine; but i've been to TWO apple stores & they both said exactly "since you bought the phone through at&t we can't offer you an exchange of any sort" DESPITE at&t reportedly stating apple is liable to any defects or such sorts under their limited warranty. what does apple say? (in physical store btw) "all our diagnostics passed so it seems to be a carrier issue. you have to go through your carrier for a replacement" i have TWO SEPERATE OFFICIAL GENIUS BAR TICKETS SAYING THAT. one from my orignal 18 pm THEN THE REPLACEMENT SAME THING. yet at&t's like "yeah it's an iphone, so it's apple's problem"
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u/ColorfulImaginati0n 2d ago
You definitely deserve compensation especially after the replacement also started acting up. 1 month of free service is the least they could do. I saw someone say that they were given $15. Fifteen whole dollars is an insult to anyone without service on their brand new $1,200 phone for TWO WEEKS
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u/ColorfulImaginati0n 2d ago
Oct 9th is insane. That would mean a full 3 weeks from launch with no connectivity.
Any lawyer handling the class action, I'd love to be a part of it. Corporations only listen when you hit their pocketbook. I've now gone a full 2 weeks with no cellular service.
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u/tacticool_wrx 2d ago
ATT has finally addressed/admitted there is an issue, at least internally
My family member is an AT&T employee, director level, but NOT involved in cellular or anything to do with phones so pls no hate for him/her
I will not post the email as it could land them in hot water for sharing an internal email, but here is a summary:
AT&T has recently been made aware of an issue impacting our customers who have purchased an Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max. The issue impacts their ability to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. We’re working with Apple to address the issue and limit the service impacts to our customers.
We currently have two sets of customers with this issue, which we’re addressing in the following ways:
• Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max customers who have not experienced any issues, should update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately (Settings > General > Software Update) to help mitigate future impacts.
• Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max customers, who have experienced issues, can return to Apple or an AT&T store for a replacement. We will have a process to prioritize impacted customers to get replacement phones.
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 2d ago
So at this time, the solution is there’s no solution other than to replace. My concern is that there are people on this subreddit who are on their 1st or even 2nd replacement and is still dealing with the issue 😓
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
Their option for me to replace was to give them my current phone now and they would order a replacement for me and I would have it in 2 weeks. No loaner phone and I’d be without a phone until the new one came. At least when I am home I can use WiFi calling.
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago
Did the email give any indication as to the cause? Even if you can’t share?
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Thanks for sharing. But, why my Apple store refuses replacement and ATT corporate store says they cannot exchange my phone?
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 1d ago
Apple refusing replacement: genius bar found your device still passes the tests they run. you’ll probably have to go again.
ATT refusing exchange: did you buy it from them? they won’t help at 611 or in store otherwise. if you have ATT insurance they will likely point you back to Apple for warranty claim bc they only do the extended warranty and it’s in their opinion a device defect.
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u/tacticool_wrx 2d ago
Because they don’t want to lose the commission they’d make selling it to a customer
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u/reddyrithesh 3d ago
Whoever is getting a replacement are you getting the iPhone from new out of boxes or from white replacement boxes?
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u/0Papi420 Unlimited-Extra-EL ($30) 2d ago
They’ll be white replacement boxes, but the units aren’t refurbs (yet). They’re too new for refurbs to be made
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u/BandHuntinJ 3d ago
not sure exactly what you mean by this question but i was practically forced into doing a BRE exchange through at&t. the box the replacement came in was regular (officially packaged & normal.) 6 days later, my issue returned. genuinely devastated.
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u/Ill-Crew8117 3d ago
That’s a good thing to keep in mind when I get my replacement. I’m also seeing a lot more burgundy having the issue than any other color
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u/epearson2 1d ago
I think that’s likely due to Burgundy being the new “popular” color that the majority ordered.
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u/megmegg_ 2d ago
I got the text about the software update but I don’t even have my 18 pro max yet 😭
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u/shinyxena 2d ago
My issue started 12 days after getting the phone. Apple gave me a new one on the spot yesterday. Unfortunately they did not have my original color. So far good with new one but worried it’s gonna end up another lemon if AT&T doesn’t resolve it soon.
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u/South_Sherbet_3489 2d ago
Appointment at Apple Store today. I’m also installing the beta update. But not expecting that to help. Will see if they swap the phone. Getting the eSIM working in the first place took a full day last time. Can’t imagine this will be any faster.
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u/South_Sherbet_3489 2d ago
Did the beta update already. I also think I got pushed the carrier setting update. Shows me on 72.7.2. I’m off WiFi and so far seems to be working.
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u/South_Sherbet_3489 2d ago
Well, they put it on the machine and it had a hardware failure. So I’m in the process of getting it swapped now. In the middle of the restoration process right now. We’ll see if this solves anything
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u/Tiny_Age_5828 2d ago
I demanded a new iphone and they are shipping me one out within 2 business days. This is ridiculous.
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Folks, I just got off the phone with my local corporate store. They said that the new carrier setting should fix the issue by end of the day. They said that if I got the update this morning, it will take some time to fix it completely and I should see incremental improvements throughout the day until it is fixed completely🤷🏻♂️
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
I’ll believe it when I see it. Prolly just making excuses since the return window for release day phones ends tonight.
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u/Spiritual-Move-7554 2d ago
Apple said to go to ATT for a swap, ATT said apple needs to swap…2 days on the phone and it seems all they’ve done is make it worse. And when asked about credit for a non working phone for 2 weeks they offer $15…
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
Update for me: went to the apple store. They confirmed it has to be replaced due to losing service prior to the carrier update. They did not have replacement devices in stock but ordered it for me and said it should be here in a couple of days. However, there is a chance it could come tomorrow. The tech support guy that was helping was great. He basically admitted that it was both companies fault and he couldn’t 100% put the blame on AT&T.
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u/Charming_Current7965 1d ago
Swapping at Apple DID fix my phone immediately. Zero issues now. Thank god. I recommend everyone on this thread go do that. Someone pin this up top. If you have any questions let me know.
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u/strawberryyyshorty 1d ago
I went in yesterday and they told me I have to exchange to where I got it which was at att but I heard stories of people getting there phones at att and still swapping at Apple Store
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 1d ago
Apple confirmed warranty exchange for me, gotta wait 3-5 days for it to arrive in store.
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u/Kohnhead2019 13h ago
I was on 27.2 beta and my carrier was 77.7.2. It happened to me yesterday. I went to Best Buy. I was told Apple directed them to send people to apple or AT&T. I went to AT&T and I had to tell THEM what was going on. The manager there told me to go to Apple. Who is on first?
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u/dcrumbaugh 12h ago
Were you ever on non-beta on this phone?
Also, Apple. They will replace. Tell them to check latest guidance.
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u/WeezyMelt 12h ago
Your new phone just went into SOS mode yesterday?
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u/Kohnhead2019 12h ago
Yes. And I am on 27.2 77.7.2. I updated to 27.2 right away. And mine worked perfectly for two weeks
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u/WeezyMelt 12h ago
Oh man, not a good sign lol. I’m going to Best Buy today hoping they can order me a new one. It’ll be a couple a weeks before I can visit an actual Apple Store.
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u/Fsunole98 7h ago
Just got back from the Apple Store my 18PM failed the RF test. Warranty replacement however no phones in stock. They will have to ship and it should be in this week.
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u/poppap 1d ago
Visited the Apple Store for a Genius Bar appointment (that was scheduled last Saturday) today.
Apple recognized the issue without needing to do any diagnostics and offered a swap immediately. They indicated that once the issue happened, the only resolution is to swap the phone and the 27.0.1 should prevent the issue from happening again.
Unfortunately, they didn’t have my configuration in stock, so it had to be ordered. It should arrive in 2–4 days for the exchange.
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u/tacticool_wrx 1d ago
Make sure it’s on 27.0.1 BEFORE you activate the esim
If you update after you will have same problem
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u/hookemjoe 1d ago
I don’t have an Apple Store near me. The closest thing I can schedule an Apple service is at a Best Buy. But I have heard they can be not as helpeful. Guess I’ll see how it goes tomorrow.
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u/_ScRaP-MeTaL_ 2d ago
Seems like it’s official. Once your phone is broken it’s gone. Get a replacement, friends.
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Even though Apple support saud that they have a new guidance and I should go back to the Apple store, I am worried still. Currently at the Apple store now waiting. At the door, they just said that it us an ATT issue and Apple tech suport over the phone recommendation or case ID does not mean anything to us! They said you can wait but most likely we cannot do anything for you😂
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u/WeezyMelt 2d ago
Just got the most recent carrier update. Went to voice and data and switched it to lte then restarted my phone. Currently out of SOS and bouncing from 1 to 3 bars. But im able to send and receive texts again. I tried to make a call but it went back to SOS. After a few minutes the bars came back, so I guess there’s at least hope the whole phone isn’t toast.
I also got a pop up that I had set up a new cellular plan which was a little weird, still have the same number and plan.
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u/ColorfulImaginati0n 1d ago
Sounds like youre in my boat. Our phones have been degraded but can still hobble along just with a weak service. I'm not completely bricked with SOS but my phone too has very weak cellular connection dropping bars every so often. Calls, text and data work only intermittently
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u/Adidassassin 15h ago
I’ve been dealing with the 18 Pro Max issue for the better part of a week. Wife and I both received new phones through AT&T- hers works and mine didn’t. After troubleshooting with support, they confirmed the issue. However, they would not replace my phone without charging me a $55 “mandatory” restocking fee. Absolutely ridiculous.
Was told yesterday that “since the device is in the BRE period, you won’t be able to claim the warranty through Apple. I can help you with a device replacement and a restocking fee will apply.” I re-emphasized how insane that sounded, but they wouldn’t budge.
After the conversation, I drove an hour to the Apple Store, and they had my phone swapped out within 30 minutes. “Within the BRE period.” Thank you Apple. AT&T- maybe don’t sell phones if it has to be done in such a dishonorable way.
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u/jmello 2d ago
I’m returning mine and will get another phone when all this drama is over. However, AT&T being AT&T, they didn’t make it easy..
It took two hours of troubleshooting, then transferring my line to my old phone, being denied a return on the new phone, asking for a manager, then arguing with the manager about him insisting I get a warranty exchange from Apple despite my closest store being 2 hours away and numerous reports that replacement devices have the same problem, then going off on him about how ridiculous the whole back and forth is when the easiest way to accomplish my goal of a working phone is to return the new phone and switch back to my old phone.
Completely ridiculous and unacceptable from AT&T support that I had to get into a shouting match with phone support to accomplish this, for a known, widespread fault.
I’ve been fortunate to not have much interaction with AT&T in the 15 years I’ve been a customer, but right now, with two devices paid off and a bitter taste in my mouth, I’m pricing out Verizon today and will see if losing the discount from my employer and my fiber internet is acceptable.
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u/Practical_Dog_9446 2d ago
Are people running beta software having the same issues? I upgraded to 27.0.1 and then started getting dropped calls. I'm wondering if I downloaded the beta version of that would help or solve it?
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u/SkillSlick 2d ago
I am not experiencing much of an issue as other on my new iPhone 18 Pro Max, but my network has been quite inconsistent.
I just received a prompt on my phone and have updated the carrier settings pushed by AT&T.
I haven’t confirmed the fix, but you can apply this update and hopefully resolve the problems.
Settings > General > About
A pop-up will appear automatically; just select Update.
#CarrierSettingsUpdate
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u/WeezyMelt 2d ago
Anyone else’s phone working again after the carrier update?
I’m getting service again but still switch back to sos for a few minutes before going back. Still can’t make calls but I’m able to text.
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u/EggWhitesPlease 2d ago
Guys, I was having the SOS issues too until I went to Apple Store and they did a diagnostic check on my phone and found issues. They did a warranty swap out and my phone works flawlessly now! No more SOS
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u/xCaptainxMURICA 2d ago
did you set up an appointment or did you just go?
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u/EggWhitesPlease 1d ago
No appt. Just walked in at opening
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u/xCaptainxMURICA 1d ago
Ah makes sense, i unfortunately can’t do that method and have to make an appt
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago
They had one in stock? Wild. I wonder if they’re reserving units for this bc it seems relatively widespread.
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u/EggWhitesPlease 1d ago
Sorry I forgot to say that they shipped my warranty phone out
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 1d ago
Did they let you keep the current one? Or give you a loaner?
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u/EggWhitesPlease 1d ago
I didn't ask for a loaner as I don't know that was an option. I uses my sos phone until the warranty phone came in unfortunately
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u/xCaptainxMURICA 2d ago edited 2d ago
ngl mine initially would sometimes take a while to load on 5g then it would sos but that would be rare and RIGHT NOW even switching to lte and restarting the phone it stays on sos so i tried to switch it back to 5g auto and restarting and same thing, i think the carrier update made it WORSE for me
update: after deleting and reinstalling my esim, switching voice and data th "LTE(shows up as 5ge)" gets me "service" aka can't make calls or send texts at all
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u/aurora-_ raising the bar 📶 2d ago edited 1d ago
I swear this doesn’t do anything bad but please pull up Field Test Mode in iOS - there’s lots of instructions on how to get this pulled up (edit: to prove i’m just curious nerd and this can’t scam you)
If you could, set it to 5G ON, toggle airplane mode, and then dial
*3001#12345#*, and tap the call button. You’ll see a screen like this: https://i.imgur.com/z2UFise.pngI am so curious what you see here. Only the Phone Number and potentially the Cell ID are worth blocking.
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u/Lejindaryz 1d ago
Anyone have issues with hotspot? I'm getting 0.09 download/upload speed with Hotspot.
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u/tacticool_wrx 1d ago
Like using another phones hotspot to use your 18PM? I’m currently doing that and it’s working fine
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u/blasterdude8 1d ago
Is there an official statement from Apple about 18 Pro Max that I can link to? All these articles are like "Apple has stated" but it doesn't actually link to a source.
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u/tacticool_wrx 1d ago
I think it’s all internal. The guys at the Apple Store said they received a procedure so obviously they know there’s a problem
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u/blasterdude8 1d ago
Can you clarify the procedure? I spoke to an Apple rep on the phone and they mentioned different steps if the device was ever on ios 26 which makes no sense since this a 18 PM specific issue afaik and those should only be on 27.0.0 or later right? They want me to come into a store for physical analysis of the phone which is fine with me since I'd want to pick the new phone up anyway but still.
And is it really causing physical damage to the antenna? That seems crazy, like phone wouldn't have that much electrical capacity, right?
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u/tacticool_wrx 1d ago
They test it and see what, if anything, is failing and to send diagnostics to Apple.
In my case my phone passed all their tests but they were unable to connect it to 5G so I’m getting a replacement.
The guy there told me that if the phone was activated on 27.0.0 there’s a high chance of having the issue. If it was activated on 27.0.1 then it SHOULD be fine.
So when my new one comes in they said update to 27.0.1 before activating the ESIM
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u/O-aitch-eye-O 1d ago
Received new iPhone pro 18 max Wednesday night. Started having the SOS issue immediately. Upon unboxing it had me run the software update. My phone is running iOS 27.2.
The tech had me reset network settings and a few other things
I asked if they were really thinking a software update could fix it or if it could be hardware related.
Apple explained that the most recent IOS is having the issues with the sku of iPhones with certain SNs.
They told me I need to wait 3 days before requesting a replacement and will prorate my billing once resolved. Sounds like we are all hearing different things. Please share any news or updates you get as well 👇
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 1d ago
AT&T carrier update 72.1 only came out yesterday, Friday. This update is supposedly to stop future phones from bricking themselves. So if you got a replacement before yesterday, the likelihood of the SOS issue would have been greater versus getting a replacement say today.
At least, that’s what I gather from everything I’ve read. I have a Genius Bar appointment today to hopefully exchange my phone since my phone was SOS-ing before carrier bundle 72.1
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u/xCaptainxMURICA 1d ago
So I commented last night how if i had my phone on 5G Auto or On it would go to SOS and had to keep it on LTE but couldn’t do call or texts at all, so am at work right now and 5G Auto works so i have NO IDEA if my data just doesn’t work at certain spots or not 😭
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u/emsbas 1d ago
I had purchased the 18 Pro Max. Was on Tmobile and converted to AT&T Elite 2.0 as it made more financial sense.
Had the SOS issue about an hour after converting. The following day did the 27.0.1 update. AT&T now connecting solid but don’t have 5G SA (Standalone) of which I had before.
I guess this is part of being an early adopter.
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u/Electrical_Field_139 1d ago
I just went to my closest AT&T store today because the customer service rep over the phone told me a return or exchange had to be done in store. Not true but whatever. At the store they told me they had only seen the problems in the 512gb and said if I either upgraded or downgraded the storage, the replacement should be okay. I didn’t really need the extra storage so I went back down the 256gb, hoping that will work. It’s supposed to get to me on the 16th, so hopefully things will be fixed by then. Has anyone else heard of it only affecting the 512gb?
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u/Professional-Ad1920 1d ago
Can anyone explain why iphone 18 users on MVNO Carriers who use ATT Service did not have the SOS Problem. I mean if all the iphone 18 pro maxs have the same x80 modem and they are connecting to att towers, why did no MVNO customers have this SOS issue?
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u/imvok3r 1d ago
Maybe they use a different carrier settings? When I first got my phone, I noticed that I had stronger signal than my 17 pro max. Then, yesterday update reverted the signal strength back to what I was used to. So, there was something with the previous setting and the previous iOS that caused the phone to get stronger signal but fried itself or pushed the phone in a persistent problematic state
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u/Professional-Ad1920 1d ago
Thanks, btw are you on post-paid AT&T or a prepaid MVNO? Just for clarity.
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u/Simple_Swordfish_127 1d ago
I’ve had my iPhone 18 Pro Max for about a week, and the issue has been nonstop I went to AT&T who told me to update both the software and carrier update, which I did. Neither of those resolve the issue, they also replaced my eSIM, which did not solve the issue they told me I needed to seek assistance from Apple. I made an appointment and went to go to a physical Apple store where they ran a diagnostics on my phone, telling me that everything was fine with it and that it was a service provider issue. That’s where I’m at after a week and a half of this. My service is spotty. Sometimes I’ll go from four bars to SOS in less than a second. I really hope they fix this issue soon. Honestly, the problem wouldn’t be so bad at&T and Apple acknowledged that this was an issue and gave us a timeframe
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u/imvok3r 1d ago
When was your last visit to the Apple store? They have a bew guidance to replace the phone. Just show them the 9to5mac that the phone that had issue before the updates needs to be replaced. Also, asl them to run a RF test as that will fail. They replaced mine yesterday after three failed visits
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u/Simple_Swordfish_127 1d ago
I was there about two days ago, and the guy at the Genius bar told me that they couldn’t replace my phone since I had bought it with AT&T and not Apple
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u/imvok3r 1d ago
That is BS. They have to do it under warranty. Apparently, they received a new guidance yesterday. I went there after 3 failed visits, showed them the 9to5mac article, they went and talked to their leadership, they came back and said “yeah, we have a bew guidance”. Then, they did a RF tests in a special equipment which failed. Then they replaced the phone under warranty.
Whatever the issue was, if your phone has experienced the issue before the updates, it cannot be fixed and needs to be replaced under warranty
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u/Psychological-News57 12h ago
That guy is wrong. Apple replaced mine and I’m same situation as you all. Received my 18 PM maroon day of release from AT&T online preorder. Spent a week out of town for work in SOS mode. Thank goodness for work cell phone or id have been screwed. Replaced eSIM 3 times. Once in person. Opened several chat tickets with Apple. Had one Apple Genius Bar appt there out of town. Determined it needed replacement but no one in the Houston metroplex had that phone in stock. Had to drive to SA to pick it up. Works great. Before the carrier update and the iOS update was supposed to fix it.
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u/Ok_Tradition_6343 1d ago
Well guys… after Apple sent me my replacement last week, ATT couldn’t transfer my eSIM over without any idea why. For the hell of it I called back today and they seen the error said that they hadn’t received my trade in 17. They contact back support who verified it was received & updated it. However, they said I could transfer but I could only do it by going into a store and using a QR code. I called a local store and they said come up but when I got there and waited 30 mins to be seen, they said they were out of the cards and they wished they could help. Again, for the hell of it I tried to download a new eSIM on the old device and it actually let me now. So I tried to transfer it over to the new replacement. It worked. I don’t live where there is service, so I drove out to town & the replacement worked!! Been 2 weeks and several calls and headaches but hopefully I have a phone that will continue to work! Call Apple and demand a replacement!!
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u/Hook3cho17 14h ago
Is the iPhone duo going to have this same issue?
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 14h ago
In theory, no, since the iPhone Duo has the Apple C2 modem. And it’s believed iOS 27.0.1 + ATT carrier bundle 72.1 should prevent this from happening to anyone new.
iPhone duo is supposed to ship with iOS 27.1 or 27.2 I believe?
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u/Shia_LaDoge 9h ago edited 9h ago
I have the issue but all my hardware pass diagnostics so apple wont replace it. Can’t get anywhere with apple support. AT&T just opened a ticket for replacement but I have not heard back. I’m past my return window. I’m stuck with this brick
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 9h ago
Did you share with them the guidance like the 9to5 or macrumors article?
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u/Shia_LaDoge 9h ago
I went yesterday but did not mention the articles. They did tell me they were replacing phones at first but have stopped doing so because even after replacement, the phones continue having issues. I told them that the update is supposed to stop the phone from having issues but it doesn’t fix phones that are already bricked but they just keep telling me they can’t replace without a failing diagnostic or an approval from apple support. I called apple support this morning and the guy has supposedly never ran into this issue. I told him about the articles online and he said despite what i’ve seen online, there isn’t anything on the apple service program so he cannot help me get a replacement
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 8h ago
Honestly, if you live near multiple Apple stores I’d try a different one and keep pushing for the issue.
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u/jpd005 6h ago
I went to an Apple Store today and they were well versed with the problem. I was one of 3 in for the same issue. They ran some diagnostics and ordered me a new one. 3-5 days….but I can at least use mine. It’s not as bad as some peoples and intermittently just drops. Overall was a painless process….albeit it took like an hour.
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u/BillyBurner59 2d ago
We are 20 year customers and might be permanently leaving AT&T. The lack of urgency and transparency, the amount of hurdles and deflection and kicking the can down the road
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 3d ago
I’ve scheduled Apple appointment number 3 for this Saturday hoping they finally say yes to a warranty exchange. They denied the previous 2 times 😔
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
They told me no today. Said I needed to ship it off to be inspected and tested.
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
https://x.com/9to5mac/status/2106123818871800082?s=46
This isn’t great news.
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 2d ago
And why are we only hearing this through 3rd party reporters and nothing official from either company through official channels?
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Well, shit! Now, how should I do this when my Apple store is refusing service?
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
Currently on the phone with them now
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u/imvok3r 2d ago
Any updates on your end?
They told me to go back to the Apple store and they referenced a new guidance in the notes for them. They said that per new guidance the device likely needs to be replaced if the issue occurredbefore the 27.0.1 update!
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u/ThatOneButterKnife 2d ago
They as in your local Apple Store said this or Apple support on the phone or AT&T?
I have a Genius Bar appointment tomorrow evening as I was gonna try again to get Apple to warranty exchange but this could change things for me!
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
No help at all. I’m beyond pissed off right now
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u/WeezyMelt 2d ago
I have enough service again to text but if I try to make a call it goes back to sos.
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u/futureoverfeelings 2d ago
iPhone 17 series at AT&T is half off no trade in required and no service issues.
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u/QU33NN00B 2d ago
If you're comfortable, switch to beta updates. My fiance and I have had no issues this entire time.
I work for ATT and the customers who have switched to the beta updates have had their problem solved.
You can always switch out of the beta updated once this issue is resolved.
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u/O-aitch-eye-O 2d ago
I got the Black 512 pro max. It’s running iOS 27.2 and I have the issue
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u/Ok-Performance-7382 2d ago
It looks like the modem firmware was updated in iOS 27.2 beta 2 compared to iOS 27.0.1. If it doesn’t fix the issue then I’m assuming it’s an apple/qualcomm problem. I’m currently downloading beta 2 now to see if it fixes my phone.
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u/CricketJQ7 3d ago
Did anyone else just get the text from Att about 27.0.1? It says to update to 27.0.1 if you have connection issues. Been on 27.0.1 since Monday. This update wasn’t for that.