Owners of the new iPhone 18 Pro Max who are using the phone on AT&T’s network, take note: The telecom giant has issued an urgent warning instructing users to update to the latest version of iOS 27. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s happened?
Two weeks ago, Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale. The devices are Apple’s latest flagships and run the company’s new operating system, iOS 27.
By and large, the launch of the new iPhone seems to have gone smoothly—except for some people on AT&T’s network. Shortly after the iPhone’s launch, owners of the iPhone 18 Pro Max who were using the phone on AT&T’s network began reporting problems with the handset.
These problems included issues like no cellular signal, interrupted data, and text messages that did not go through.
Interestingly, these problems only seemed to affect iPhone 18 Pro Max users—not users of the regular iPhone 18 Pro.
As MacRumors has noted, the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max use different cellular modems. The 18 Pro uses Apple’s new C2 modem worldwide, while the 18 Pro Max uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem in the U.S. market.
Only the iPhone 18 Pro Max seems to be having connection issues, which has led many to wonder whether the problems are connected to the device’s Qualcomm modem.
Still, the issue could also be completely unrelated to the 18 Pro Max’s modem.
“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,” AT&T told Fast Company when reached for comment. “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.”
Update iOS 27 immediately
This week, Apple released the first update to iOS 27, the iPhone’s new operating system.
This update, known as iOS 27.0.1, is the usual kind of point update that Apple rolls out within a few weeks of releasing a new OS. It’s designed to fix critical bugs that are discovered after the operating system ships to the public.
In its release notes, Apple says iOS 27.0.1 “provides bug fixes for your iPhone,” including the following two issues:
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may unexpectedly restart when Face ID fails to authenticate
- A color artifact may appear on photos captured at 2x under certain lighting conditions at f/1.48 on a small number of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices
- Opening Notification Center and Control Center simultaneously may cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive
Over the past 24 hours, there have been multiple online reports of AT&T customers who own the iPhone 18 Pro Max receiving text messages from the company, urging them to update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately.
“Hi, it’s AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available,” the text message reads, according to a report from 9to5Mac. “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.”
Unfortunately, despite AT&T sending out the text urging the update, there are numerous reports that the iOS 27.0.1 update does not fix the connectivity issues 18 Pro Max customers are experiencing on AT&T’s network.
Indeed, Apple’s iOS 27.0.1 release notes do not mention any specific fix—though the notes do refer to general unnamed “bug fixes.”
Should you upgrade to iOS 27.0.1?
Whether you have a new iPhone 18 Pro Max or not, it’s wise to update your iPhone to iOS 27.0.1 as soon as possible. Though it’s a small release, it’s one Apple pushes out quickly to fix the most serious bugs discovered so far in the new operating system.
For iPhone 18 Pro Max customers on AT&T’s network, updating to iOS 27.0.1 is a good idea. It’s possible the update does fix the connection bug many users are experiencing—but not for all of them. Another bug fix may be needed.
To update your iPhone to iOS 27.0.1, open the Settings app, tap General, tap Software Update, and follow the on-screen instructions.
This story has been updated with a statement from AT&T.