What is the problem?
Apple has identified an issue that specifically stops the iPhone 18 Pro Max from accessing AT&T’s network, preventing users from making calls and sending texts. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro, which was released at the same time, does not exhibit the same issue, nor do iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on Verizon or T-Mobile.
The issue doesn’t appear to affect all AT&T phones, however. While there have been numerous reports from AT&T subscribers with iPhones that haven’t been able to make calls ever since they got the phone, others only experienced the issue after a few days, and still others haven’t had it at all. It’s not clear what triggers the issue.
Can Apple fix it?
Last week, Apple pushed out iOS 27.0.1 to fix a Face ID bug and other launch-day issues with the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The AT&T bug wasn’t listed in the release notes, but AT&T urged its subscribers to install the update as a potential fix. The carrier also pushed out its own update to iPhone 18 Pro Max users that will roll out over the next two weeks.
However, we have since learned that those fixes only prevent the problem from occurring in future; they don’t fix phones that are already exhibiting the issue. In fact, Apple and AT&T both acknowledge that phones with the problem will need to be replaced with a phone that already has iOS 27.0.1 and AT&T’s carrier settings update installed.
Is there an official recall?
Apple has only issued two iPhone recalls in its history, and both offered repairs rather than replacements. In 2021, Apple began a program to fix iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro units that did not emit sound from the receiver when making or receiving calls, and in 2024, iPhone 14 Plus owners who could not see previews when taking photos with the rear camera were also eligible for free repairs.
So, while this is the first time Apple is specifically offering replacement devices, Apple hasn’t declared an official service program. However, if your phone experiences the issue, you should contact AT&T or Apple to swap it out for a new phone.
