Now there are patches to apply if you have no problem making calls on an AT&T iPhone 18 Pro Max. If so, you need to replace your phone.
Since launch, iPhone 18 Pro Max models have left the AT&T network. In some cases, never to return.
After an OS update earlier in the week and a carrier settings update on Friday, the issue may no longer manifest itself for those who haven’t seen it. But this doesn’t help if your iPhone already has problems.
In a statement to our friends at 9to5Mac and in other places, Apple has provided instructions on what to do and where to do it.
“We have identified an issue affecting a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max users on the AT&T network that may cause a device to lose service and be unable to make calls. We released iOS 27.0.1 earlier this week and strongly encourage all iPhone 18 Pro Max users to update it now, and we are also releasing a carrier settings update today. These updates together are intended to help prevent this issue.”
Additionally, Apple also says that devices already affected need to be replaced. The best way to do this is at an Apple Store, but some AT&T corporate stores may also have stock for the replacement.
AT&T says the carrier settings update will populate automatically over the next couple of weeks. However, we don’t recommend waiting.
How to force operator settings to update
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Information
- Wait a few seconds, the network speed depends
- When the screen says “the new settings required for your device have been installed,” that’s it.
Neither the carrier settings update nor the iOS 27.0.1 update will fix a device that already has the issue.
If you are affected by the iPhone 18 Pro Max calling issue or any other issue on AT&T, be sure to contact support for both your carrier and Apple. AT&T has a help center for the devices, and Apple has a general support page.
