AT&T has texted iPhone 18 Pro Max customers and told them to install iOS 27.0.1 immediately, because some phones may be unable to complete calls, texts or data, including to 911. Owners say the update hasn't helped. AppleInsider reader Rod Santiano wrote in that it only seems to fix the Face ID and unresponsive touchscreen problems, and that Apple tested his phone, found nothing wrong and is replacing it anyway. "We're still using our iPhone 18s as glorified iPods," he said.
On Friday Apple released an AT&T carrier settings update, version 72.1, and began requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max owners to install iOS 27.0.1 before they can set up the phone. MacRumors reported thousands of owners have been unable to connect to AT&T for calls, texts and data, and that the cause hasn't been disclosed. AT&T told it only that it is "working with Apple," and Apple didn't respond to a request for comment. Neither company has said if the carrier update is enough or if a follow-up such as iOS 27.0.2 will be needed.