iPhone 18 pro max cellular issues

I activated my 18 Pro Max on 9/19 and started having the same issue as the OP on 9/22.

After multiple calls with AT&T and five different eSIM activations, the issue persisted. AT&T tech support created two separate backend tickets, but closed them the next day with this message: "AT&T Free Msg: The network ticket we filed for you is closed. Everything looks good on our end. For indoor specific issues connect to Wi-Fi."

Today, 9/25, I took the phone to the Apple Store. Staff ran an RF diagnostic test, which failed to complete. The Apple team ordered a replacement device, which should arrive for pickup in three to five days.

I began having these issues 2 days ago after having my phone since release day. I purchased my phone through Apple so after getting nowhere with AT&T, I went to the Apple store yesterday and they just gave me a new phone. Took it to an AT&T store to get it activated on my account and fingers crossed it has been fine since. Looks like exchanging the phone is the way to go.

update: I took my phone to the Apple Store and they ran some test and it failed the system network test so they replaced my phone! The issue is resolved for me on the new phone

Contact your carrier as they may have a Carrier Update for you or need to reprovision your SIM.

I talked to AT&T tonight. They said this is a known issue where the software from Apple and the software from AT&T are conflicting with each other. According to them, it has been happening since September 19th (Saturday) and they are expecting a fix within 24-48 hours. No status page. No official acknowledgement.

I have a new phone for my wife. I asked if it would be a problem for her too. They said to absolutely not switch over to the new phone. All iPhone 18's are having issues according to them.

We're on day 6 with no resolution. I was working with AT&T early this morning and, long story short, they told me to switch back to my 17 Pro Max (which I had not sent back yet) until they resolve this. They did affirm that it was an AT&T issue with being overloaded with eSIM switches. I switched back but in the process lost connection to the agent so I had to reconnect and got a different agent. Told them what had happened and that switching back was a success but then asked what to do when this all gets resolved. They suggested at that point to try switching back to the 18 to see if it would toggle a successful activation of the eSIM. We did and well, it didn't. So we went BACK to the 17 again. So, still no progress. They suggested I go into an AT&T store to get it replaced since we're still in the 14 day window for returns and make sure to activate it there and not leave the store until it is activated and working. Not sure why they suggested that if they confirmed it's an AT&T issue with being behind on eSIM transitions, but... I'm going to do that today even though my hopes aren't really that high. I'm just glad I didn't send in my 17 Pro Max yet. I love the Cosmic Orange still and am contemplating keeping it and returning the 18 Pro Max altogether. Torn!

Same issue here. Went to an ATT store to get a new eSIM but that didn’t fix it. I was one the phone for an hour with ATT tech support at the store and they couldn’t fix it either. Made an appointment at an Apple Store and they ordered a replacement phone. Got it yesterday and everything is working perfectly.

Update: Apple ran some tests that the phone failed and Apple ordered a new phone (3 to 5 Business Days) I am not happy that the issue happened but I am glad that Apple was honest transparent and acted quickly. The manager Brian in Carlsbad CA was top notch. His staff was on point as well. I have been known to be very anti apple but I am impressed with the customer service. Apple has just earned a new customer.

jimbob04 wrote:

its not an att issue, my wife is on the same plan as me and got the same exact phone 1 day earlier than me and has zero issues

Are you on AT&T? If yes, then AT&T needs to determine why your eSim isn't working. We've seen too many reports of people who returned their new phone, to have the same issue. This isn't endemic to every iPhone 18 Pro model. It IS endemic to AT&T ONLY as the ONLY carrier having an issue with some eSims, even on the same account. AT&T is well aware of the issue and they have reported they are working on a solution. But it's AT&T's issue to resolve. You could move your phone service from AT&T to Verizon or T-Mobile on your phone and you wouldn't have an issue.

yon197 wrote:

I activated my 18 Pro Max on 9/19 and started having the same issue as the OP on 9/22.

After multiple calls with AT&T and five different eSIM activations, the issue persisted. AT&T tech support created two separate backend tickets, but closed them the next day with this message: "AT&T Free Msg: The network ticket we filed for you is closed. Everything looks good on our end. For indoor specific issues connect to Wi-Fi."

Today, 9/25, I took the phone to the Apple Store. Staff ran an RF diagnostic test, which failed to complete. The Apple team ordered a replacement device, which should arrive for pickup in three to five days.

Update: Picked up a replacement 18PM Burgundy from the Apple Store and activated it yesterday, 9/28. Since then, I have had zero issues making or receiving calls. The signal never dropped to zero bars or switched to SOS. I will post another update if this replacement phone shows similar issues, since the original problem started two to three days after activation.

I’m having this problem. I talked to AT&T twice yesterday. The first call, the reprovisioned my eSIM which didn’t solve the problem. The second call they repeated some of the diagnostic steps from the first call, but then the agent told me they’re aware of an AT&T (she made it clear, it wasn’t a device problem) issue and that the back office was asking for 5 to 7 days to resolve the issue.

I’ve got some news! I received my replacement 18PM today from the Genius Bar and took it directly over to my local corporate AT&T store and had them activate it. I didn’t want to risk doing it wrong on my own or whatnot. It works! The rep who helped me said that all the customers he’s helped with this very issue all pre-ordered the phones. This is not gospel but I wonder if the first batch of phones were defective or something. He said that the people that bought the phone in store have had no problems.

My original 18PM passed all the tests they ran at the Genius Bar so I’m not sure what’s going on. I’m just glad I got a replacement and it works!

Sincerest good luck to you all and hope this info helps!

Update to my own situation. After troubleshooting with the network and talking with apple support, I dealt with the issue a couple days. I reached out to Apple to see if this was a major issue and if it was software or hardware and the tech almost immediately said to return/exchange the phone. Not sure if that is an indicator, but sounds more like there is no pending software fix and may be a hardware issue for those encountering it. Many are out of stock, so I just returned for now. May give it another chance later if the upgrade deals are still active.

I got the 18PM on 9/24 noticed the issue the next day. Raised it with AT&T on 9/27 and they told me they were aware but no fix yet. They called yesterday 9/30 to basically tell me there’s still no update. I have already switched back to my 14PM. I suggested to AT&T that I should return the 18 and await an update that the issue is resolved and they said that’s probably the best idea right now.

I just received a text from them that the latest IOS update would fix the

problem 27.0.1 - I had already updated to this so I know it isn’t the resolution. This just reaffirms that they have no idea what the problem is or how to fix it. Don’t think there’s a solution in sight unfortunately.

My phone is doing the same thing. I have AT&T. Apparently AT&T got shipped a massive amount of bad Iphone 18’s from the factory. You have to go to the store and request a replacement.