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Apple confirmed that a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T's network are losing cellular service, showing 'SOS' instead of a signal. The company released iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier settings update to prevent the issue from occurring, but says devices that already lost service will need a hardware replacement through Apple Support, AT&T, or in-store visits.
In episode 084 of 9to5Mac Overtime, Jeff Benjamin and Fernando Silva discuss the iPhone 18 Pro's camera system, debating whether it can serve as a substitute for a mirrorless camera in photography and videography. They also discuss whether buyers should purchase the iPhone 18 Pro now or wait for the rumored iPhone Duo.
Since the iPhone 18 series launched, some iPhone 18 Pro Max owners on AT&T have reported their phones dropping into SOS mode, blocking calls, texts, data and even 911 access, while Wi-Fi keeps working. AT&T has sent customers a text urging them to install Apple's iOS 27.0.1 update, warning that some phones may be unable to complete calls, texts or data connections.
An Instagram video from @thetechchap places the rumored iPhone Duo side by side with iPhone 18 Pro Max, using Apple's listed technical specs. Unfolded, the Duo measures 6.48 inches wide and 4.64 inches tall, closely matching the Pro Max's 6.43-inch height, while folded it shrinks to 3.31 by 4.64 inches.
Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with the Max model featuring a 6.9-inch display and the standard Pro at 6.3 inches. The Max also claims the largest battery life increase ever for iPhone. Both models are equipped with the new A20 Pro chip and similar camera systems, including 48MP sensors and optical zoom.
A 9to5Mac writer has been using an iPad mini, loaded with the same apps and layout as their iPhone, to simulate the experience of Apple's rumored foldable iPhone Duo. The experiment relies on an iPhone Wi-Fi hotspot for connectivity and notes that the Duo's rumored 7.6-inch interior display is only slightly smaller than the iPad mini's 8.3-inch screen. Colleague Ryan Christoffel's reporting on the Duo's screen size was cited as the basis for the comparison.
AT&T has told customers using the iPhone 18 Pro Max on its network to install Apple's newly released iOS 27 software update as soon as possible. The warning follows Apple's rollout of the first update to iOS 27 this week, though the carrier has not detailed the specific issue prompting the alert.
AT&T sent a text to customers urging them to update their iPhone 18 Pro Max to iOS 27.0.1, saying it would fix problems with calls, texts, and data, including 911 access. However, Apple's release notes for iOS 27.0.1 only mention Face ID and camera fixes, and multiple affected users report the connectivity problems persist after updating, with phones still showing 'SOS' in the status bar.
Counterpoint Research's China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker found the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max drove Apple to a 33% share of China's smartphone market in Week 38, making it the top-selling brand. The Pro series saw 12% year-on-year sales growth in its first three days, reversing a 17% decline in overall Chinese smartphone sales since July.
9to5Mac editors shared the iPhone 18 Pro accessories they are personally buying, including Apple's 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, the TechWoven case, Anker's 3-in-1 MagSafe charger, and the FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe. The update notes that several of these items are currently discounted as part of early fall Amazon Prime Day sales.
Lux Optics released Halide 3.2, an update to its Mark III camera app, adding support for the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture camera. The update introduces an Aperture Priority mode that lets users set a target f-number while Halide automatically adjusts shutter speed and ISO, alongside manual ISO control. It also adds two new visual looks, dawn and quicksilver, plus a 16:9 aspect ratio shooting mode for all iPhones.
A journalist testing Meta's new Muse AI agent found it suggested an article topic drawn directly from a private Messages conversation he'd had with a podcast cohost. When questioned, Muse said its Mac app could read incoming notifications and pass that context to the iPhone app, though it denied accessing full chat histories. Meta has described Muse as built to be safe, secure and private.