Overview
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have launched to praise for their performance, but early buyers are encountering several hardware and software hurdles just weeks after hitting store shelves.
Two separate issues are reportedly affecting cellular connectivity and the speakers on the iPhone 18 Pro models, though fixes and workarounds are emerging for some problems.
These hardware and network troubles are separate from an earlier Face ID freezing bug that has already been patched.
Cellular and Speaker Troubles
Reports of cellular connectivity issues for AT&T customers surfaced widely on community forums and social media. New iPhones, particularly the iPhone 18 Pro Max, were frequently starting in SOS mode, failing to connect to the AT&T network, or operating at extremely slow speeds.
Some of the connection failures appeared to stem from eSIM transfers originating from older devices or between accounts.
AT&T acknowledged the issue via automated text messages sent to impacted customers, urging users to update their devices to iOS 27.0.1 immediately.
An AT&T representative confirmed the communication to media outlets.
The carrier advisory states:
"Hi, it's AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions."
The carrier emphasized that maintaining customer connectivity remains a top priority while working alongside Apple to resolve the glitch.
While some users reported that the iOS 27 update failed to solve the problem, affected customers have been advised to visit carrier or retail stores for device swap evaluations if connectivity cannot be restored.
Industry observers noted that the Pro Max features a distinct Qualcomm cellular modem compared to the in-house C2 modem found in other lineup variants, though it remains unconfirmed if hardware differences contributed to the network errors.
Customers experiencing persistent failures can seek technical support directly at official retail locations.
Speaker Popping Noises
Separately, a number of users have reported potential audio glitches impacting the speakers on iPhone 18 Pro models.
Owners have described hearing crackling or popping noises originating from the device speakers, particularly the earpiece, likened by one user to the sound of unplugging an auxiliary audio cable.
Initial testing units evaluated by tech reviewers did not encounter the speaker audio defect, suggesting the issue may only affect specific production batches.
One buyer noted that the crackling persisted even after exchanging their initial unit for a replacement device.
Retail support staff have suggested to some impacted customers that the audio anomaly is likely software-related and patchable in a future update.
Apple has been approached for official comment regarding the reported speaker glitches.
Additional Software Fixes
Additional complaints posted online have mentioned occasional Control Center freezes, springboard and widget crashes, abnormal battery drain, and minor camera color anomalies.
Fortunately, many of these secondary software bugs appear to have been mitigated by the release of the iOS 27.0.1 software patch.
Users continue to monitor device stability as Apple rolls out further system refinements.
