AT&T and Apple just took steps to fix the iPhone 18 Pro Max problem

AT&T and Apple are taking steps today to try to resolve iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues, according to Woozad contributor Aaron Perris.

Thousands of iPhone 18 Pro Max users were unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, texts and data. The underlying cause has not yet been revealed, but AT&T and Apple continue to work to find a solution.

First, Apple today released an AT&T carrier settings update (version 72.1, up from 72.0.2) for iPhones. Given the timing of this update, it likely includes some optimizations related to the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s cellular connectivity, but it’s unclear whether AT&T has fully fixed the issues or if additional adjustments will be necessary.

When a carrier settings update is available on your iPhone, you will be prompted to install it. If you ignore the notification or don’t see it, open the Settings app, tap General → About, and the update should appear there. You can see the current version of your iPhone’s carrier settings in the same About menu, next to your carrier name.

Second, Apple today began requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1 in order to set up the device, even though most, if not all, affected users said the update did not fix the issues. A leaked email from AT&T indicates that iOS 27.0.1 is supposed to help mitigate future impacts, so it may still help in some way.

In a statement shared with Woozad today, AT&T said it was “working with Apple” on this matter.

Apple did not respond to our request for comment.

It’s not yet clear whether a follow-up update like iOS 27.0.2 will be needed as part of a patch, or whether the carrier update alone will be sufficient.