Level 1 (4 points)

iPhone keeps showing SOS and losing AT&T signal

I’m having trouble with my iPhone’s cellular service. It constantly shows “SOS” or “No Service,” and I’m unable to make or receive calls. Occasionally the signal comes back for a short time, but the problem keeps happening. I’m with AT&T. I already contacted AT&T and had my iPhone checked by Apple, and I was told the phone is working properly. Has anyone else experienced this problem, and is there a solution?

Posted on Sep 28, 2026 1:01 PM

5 replies

Mac Jim ID

Level 10 (105,996 points)

Sep 28, 2026 6:50 PM in response to jandjdiaz

There have been some reports that a small number of AT&T customers are having cellular troubles. It only affects those AT&T customers, and they are certainly aware of the issue and working on a fix as they don't want those customers going to T-Mobile or Verizon.

Those users who got a replacement phone found the same thing returned in a couple of days, so it is definitely related to those specific accounts. If AT&T pretended like they didn't know what you were talking about, then you may be interested in another cellular provider. Otherwise I would return the phone while you are still within the 14 day return period until you are assured that the phone will work correctly with your AT&T account.

sberman

Level 10 (280,982 points)

Sep 28, 2026 1:08 PM in response to jandjdiaz

See this article.

If your call fails or you can’t receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support

Also note iOS 27.0.1 was released by Apple about three hours ago.

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

I have an iPhone 18 Pro with AT&T and have had no issues since receiving the iPhone ten days ago.

Lawrence Finch

Level 10 (244,490 points)

Sep 28, 2026 6:35 PM in response to jandjdiaz

Have you asked AT&T if they might have a local network outage, and checked up on them here: Down Detector - Crowdsourced Outage Check

lobsterghost1

Level 10 (233,174 points)

Sep 28, 2026 6:49 PM in response to jandjdiaz

Like sberman, I have iPhone 18 Pro Max and 18 Pro, both on iOS 27.0.1. But haven't had any connectivity issues on AT&T since getting the phones on launch day. That doesn't mean everyone else is so lucky. AT&T seems well aware, there's an issue with eSim on their network. And it's AT&T who has to fix the issue. It's not an Apple or iPhone 18 Pro model issue.

laneechere

Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 1, 2026 4:20 PM in response to jandjdiaz

Recently purchased the 18 pro max 11 days ago and it’s been on and off SOS mode for 3 days. Currently at the AT&T store in MA. My 17 pro max and my kids 17’s are fine. Just my husbands 18 is awful.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256366705