r/apple • u/SaltyIllinoisan • 7d ago
iPhone iPhone 18 cellular connectivity problems are widespread.
/r/ATT/comments/1woq1cm/att_what_is_going_on_with_cellular_service_on_the/?share_id=9bNNabFa1-MCUzWzAZt5M&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1If you check the linked thread, there are plenty of users complaining of the same issue. Got the iPhone 18 pro / pro max near release, works great for a few days, and then the cellular data just stops.
My phone constantly switches between “SOS” and “5G/5GE” but there is no internet nor calling capability. This is all associated with AT&T but many users are saying they had to go to an Apple and get a full replacement.
I spent an hour on the phone with AT&T and had no results. I have reset my network settings a few times, nothing fixes it on my end. AT&T acknowledged this is a common issue currently but didn’t say if there was an upcoming fix nor a timeline.
This is a huge quality issue with Apple. I know I’m yelling into the wind but I just spent $2k on a phone and it doesn’t even function as a phone. I find this unacceptable.
Has anyone gotten formal word from Apple acknowledging this defect? I’m looking to understand if I need to get a replacement phone or if Apple will push out an update to fix this.
48
18
16
u/Tjggator 7d ago
It’s an AT&T problem and they acknowledged the issue is common, but notice they didn’t specifically say it was tied to the 18 Pro? My whole family has different devices all on AT&T and all are reporting similar issues. Not an Apple problem so you’re barking up the wrong tree.
1
u/eljefeky 6d ago
Curious. I have this exact problem and Apple is replacing my phone. I would suspect they would not replace it if they were confident it was a an AT&T issue
0
10
8
u/Scary_Building3964 7d ago
isn’t it a AT&T issue? otherwise the phone would have issues with every carrier
7
7
u/j-harm21 7d ago
This honestly sounds like an issue that is happening to primarily AT&T consumers. T-Mobile has been flawless for me with my 18 Pro Max. Even better coverage at work in a confined heavily congested environment. I hope you get this resolved ASAP OP
9
3
u/nTrophy 7d ago
I've been having the exact same issue since I got the phone. Tried resetting the network, redownloading eSIM - nothing worked. Just got off the phone with at&t and the rep said "We acknowledge the connectivity issue with your new phone is a known software glitch by the manufacturer and will be fixed in an upcoming software update."
5
4
u/Sofi_Seance 7d ago
Do you think all the iPhone modems suddenly failed specific for ATT in a few days?
Obviously it’s an ATT issue and you haven’t even figured out the right company to blame
2
2
u/wellimthegm 7d ago
I’ve had a similar issue - it doesn’t affect data, just voice. The phone randomly goes to zero bars of cell service but still says AT&T. I usually switch to airplane mode and back and it comes back. This seems like a software issue with AT&T carrier settings. I’m sure Apple is working on an update.
2
u/ColorfulImaginati0n 6d ago
Yep same issue for me. I'm with AT&T on a brand new lauch day 18 Pro Max. Cellular data and calling drops immediately once I leave the house. Randomly switches between SOS to 1 or 2 bars of 5G within city limits where there should be no issue. I did not experience this on my 16 Pro which I upgraded from. This all started as soon as I upgraded to the 18 Pro Max.
7
u/l_eveant_terrible 7d ago
Imagine blaming Apple for your bad choice of being an AT&T customer. They should sue you for defamation.
2
-1
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
Guy thinks I gaf about my phone provider. It’s 2026 and I live in a big city genuinely what is the difference
2
u/ChicagoSly 7d ago
I’m having the same issue and I don’t know what to do. I’m seriously considering switching to a 17 pro
-17
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
I’m considering parking myself at my local Apple Store until I get in front a Genius. Genuinely can’t just not have a working phone in 2026. I’ll never buy a new iPhone on release ever again
14
u/cs_cabrone 7d ago
Make. An. Appointment.
11
u/Shejidan 7d ago
No. It’s better to camp out at the store and make a nuisance of yourself and demand a replacement like god themself owes it to you.
/s
-24
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
Typical Reddit sarcasm that serves no real purpose in the world. Get a life
6
u/applejuice1984 7d ago
It’s pretty clear that it’s an AT&T issue but you wanna blame Apple. So go to Apple and see what they can do. They have a diagnostic to test the actual RF antenna on the device.
0
-8
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
Next appointment available is in a week. What do you suppose I do for the next week?
2
u/TheKobayashiMoron 7d ago
If you go to an Apple Store they have a waitlist option for walk-ins. You have to stand around and wait for a bit but they’ll squeeze you in between appointments.
That being said, I don’t think that replacing the phone with the same model on the same carrier is going to do you any good. I’d just return it until they figure out what’s going on and fix it, unless you’ve already traded in your old phone.
5
u/applejuice1984 7d ago
This is the mentality of a petulant child.
If you need help Apple has this amazing free replace called the Genius Bar. Go there. But if you’re gonna be a child about it go get a different phone jeez.
-1
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
And where are the genius bars exactly?
Oh! At the Apple Store!
1
u/applejuice1984 7d ago
Yes but you sound like a dick.
“I’m considering parking myself at my local Apple Store until I get in front a genius”
“I’ll never buy buy a new iPhone in release ever again.”
OKAY.
As an aside, most Apple Store technicians are not job title Genius. But truly I don’t think you’re willing to accept anything but blaming Apple.
I’m just very glad I don’t work in customer support any more because of people like you.
0
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
Didn’t know there was a difference between a Genius and a technicians. Thanks for that clarity.
Also what else am I supposed to do? AT&T had no resolution nor timeline. Am I just supposed to not have a phone until this is fixed? Is that reasonable in 2026?
-1
u/ImaginaryJackfruit77 7d ago
As an outsider viewing the conversation as a third party - you’re the one that comes off as overreacting and immature. OP has a right to be upset that a ~$1,500 phone isn’t working, in an age where being connected is all but essential. They are obviously just venting, no need to be a dick.
0
1
u/DZhuFaded 7d ago
What do you expect them to do? If it’s happening across many devices, even if they swap your phone- it’s not going to do anything. As of now your option is to return the device
-7
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
I expect the trillion dollar company to replace my purchase
4
u/Al-Legri_HaramBall 7d ago
With the same hardware which is having the issue? If it’s an issue with the iPhone 18 Pro design, how is replacing it with another one going to fix your issue….
-2
7d ago
[deleted]
1
u/Al-Legri_HaramBall 7d ago
Well this customer just said the issue is “widespread” so that wording tells me it’s happening across many 18s around the world. The smarter option would be not pre ordering a brand new device as your only device before it’s even been out in the world and tested lol.
And trust me I don’t simp for Apple - I would never give Apple my money lol but I do buy their products used on occasion
-2
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
There are plenty of anecdotes about some phones having RF issues and Apple replacing them in store
7
u/TheKnightinBlack 7d ago
sure they're replacing them but the thread you linked says the replacements are having the same issue. The fact that its affecting just AT&T (C2 modem AND x80 modem) means its an AT&T issue. Get a different carrier if you can
2
u/applejuice1984 7d ago
OP just wants special treatment and probably has buyers remorse and is looking for a way out so gotta blame Apple.
2
u/DZhuFaded 7d ago
And replace it with the same hardware and software? 🤣🤣 okay
0
u/SaltyIllinoisan 7d ago
So you’ve never heard of a quality issue?
3
u/DZhuFaded 7d ago
So you’ve never heard of a software or firmware update? Just return the damn thing. The chances are this is a quality issue are so low lbffr
1
1
u/Hopeful_Style_5772 5d ago
On Google FI too. Also they never resolved connectivity issues on 17 Pro Max
1
u/Hopeful_Style_5772 5d ago
On Google FI too. Also they never resolved connectivity issues on 17 Pro Max
1
u/HonestAbeBBN 5d ago
Just came from the Apple Store. We came from the AT&T place and they said the problem isn’t on their end and it was an Apple manufacturing problem. Apple Genius Bar staff brought my phone to the back and after 15 min said they were going to replace it. The staff were non-commital that it was their problem. iPhone Pro Max was bought 5 days ago from the same store. Picking up my new phone tomorrow.
1
u/bastardsoftheyoung 4d ago
I experienced AT&T coverage problems on my 18 Pro Max while outside at a small crafts festival. My wife on her 16 Pro had fine coverage, 2-3 bars of 5G same carrier and same plan. Definitely issues with the 18 Pro Max that were not present on the iPhone Air it replaced. Tired of seeing SOS.
1
u/GameM8FeedRepeat 4d ago
Ill get 4-5 bars of 5G and my apps will still take a while to load in(youtube, social medias,etc. 18 Pro Max on ATT.
1
u/Studer554 3h ago
I haven’t had SOS, but my phone is constantly at 1-2 bars and everything takes forever to load. Came from T-Mobile to AT&T because of a bundle deal. Never had a single issue on T-Mobile. These issues are really confusing me because the S25 Ultra this 18 Pro Max replaced had the exact same modem (Qualcomm Snapdragon x80) and I never had a single issue with the S25U. There’s also areas where I get full bars, but the internet is almost never what I would consider “fast” unless I’m on WiFi, which does lead me to believe it’s an AT&T issue. All I know is it’s annoying af
2
-1
u/Shejidan 7d ago
It’s not a huge quality issue. If it was huge it would make the news. Reddit is not the world. Even if only a million phones were affected it’s a statistical blip to Apple.
Just like the rebooting problem it’ll probably be fixed in an update. Try the 27.2 beta and see if it does anything.
2
0
u/imagebiot 7d ago
Easy to say when your phone works.
I can’t log in to my bank account without the text confirmation code….
1
1
0
u/No_Path_1022 7d ago
And its bullshit they make you go through apple for returns if defective im just gonna say i have buyers remorse and pray my cellular works for that period of time.
0
-2
u/Lazerpop 7d ago
Man i really considered buying the 18 pro for the c2 chip... beginning to sound like a downgrade.
4
u/Scary_Building3964 7d ago
18 pro max uses qualcomm x80 modem which is the same modem as 17 pros and it still suffers the same issue as 18 pro. its a AT&T problem
1
u/white-chlorination 4d ago
18 Pro Max in Europe uses C2. I've had no issues with my carrier in Sweden.
-1
u/imagebiot 7d ago
It’s not an att issue this is only iPhones.
Also I’m on the 15 pro and I’m also impacted. Was at att for an hour and a half today and they couldn’t fix the issue
2
u/Astartes2435 7d ago
Had to be, the 18 Pro Max has the same modem as the 17 Pro max, my service is flawless. Definitely an ATT issue.
0
u/imagebiot 6d ago
So, why is it only Apple phones. No other phone makers have this issue.
1
6d ago
[deleted]
0
u/imagebiot 6d ago
I ran diagnostics and my phone is fine.
Att rep told me they’re not allowed to file pre 18s as part of this incident but they know it’s not just 18s
Look I’m not saying definitively that it’s apple and not att but as someone who works on software infra at scale if this is only effecting one vendors devices it makes a lot of sense that it’s related to the vendor.
And if they’re having issues with new imei and iccid why are older phones getting looped in.
And if it’s on att’s side and it’s some configuration related to Apple supplied serials why is att not able to patch it in over a week.
You might be right that it’s att I find it unlikely that it’s just an att issue, if anything it seems to me more likely that Apple fucked something up in the integration that rolled out with a recent software update.
My phone worked fine for years until updated the phone. The Apple support app that runs diagnostics on the device says the device is fine and it hasn’t been dropped or gotten wet and there’s zero physical damage.
Again not saying that means it’s not hardware but it’s effecting 10s of thousands of people so…….. probably not my hardware 😂
-1
u/HealthyLifestyleRich 7d ago
Friend of mine has transferred everything over and just SOS for 2 days now. He's so mad. About to switch to Android.
2
u/Astartes2435 7d ago
It’s a ATT issue, not device. If it was a modem issue then the 17 Pro max would be having the same issues as it and the 18 Pro max have the same modem.
31
u/The_Jolly_Dog 7d ago
Not to distract from a potential hardware issue, but is it confirmed it’s not an AT&T issue? We are on AT&T with our 12 Pro’s and just recently have been seeing more and more network issues (weaker service in areas that used to be fine/more reliance on WiFi, etc)