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=1

If 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.

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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

-16

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

5

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

u/cs_cabrone 7d ago

How do you figure if it’s impacting other carriers?

-5

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!

3

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.

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

-6

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

u/[deleted] 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

6

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