Apple and AT&T have taken new steps to address cellular connectivity problems affecting thousands of iPhone 18 Pro Max users. The reported failures prevent affected customers from connecting to AT&T for phone calls, text messages, and mobile data.

The companies have not disclosed the underlying cause, and it remains unclear whether the latest changes will fully resolve the issue. AT&T said it is “working with Apple” on the problem, while Apple has not publicly explained the failure or confirmed whether another update will be needed.

Apple releases a new AT&T carrier update

Apple released AT&T carrier settings version 72.1, replacing version 72.0.2. Carrier settings updates can modify network-related configuration on an iPhone, and the timing suggests this release includes changes intended to improve iPhone 18 Pro Max connectivity.

However, the update’s effectiveness has not been established. It is not known whether AT&T has resolved the problem on its network or whether Apple and the carrier will need to issue additional changes.

iPhones normally display a prompt when a carrier settings update is available. Users who dismiss the alert, or do not see it, can check manually by opening Settings, selecting General, and tapping About. The current carrier settings version appears in the same menu next to the carrier’s name.

iOS 27.0.1 required during setup

Apple has also started requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max owners to install iOS 27.0.1 when setting up the device. Many affected users have said that installing the update does not fix their existing connectivity problems.

A leaked AT&T email indicated that iOS 27.0.1 is intended to help mitigate future impact. That wording leaves open the possibility that the update could prevent or reduce additional failures without repairing every device that is already affected.

More changes may still be needed

The latest carrier settings release and setup requirement do not establish that the broader issue has been fixed. AT&T and Apple have not provided a timeline for a complete resolution, and it is still uncertain whether a follow-up release such as iOS 27.0.2 will be necessary.

For now, iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T can check for both the carrier settings update and iOS 27.0.1. The carrier update can be found through the iPhone’s About menu, while the software update is presented during device setup.