The iPhone 17 Is Already Experiencing Problems with T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and More
The launch of the iPhone 17 has been a tremendous success for Apple, with both the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro selling out online at this moment. Although the iPhone 17 models are outperforming the previous generation, Apple is facing some challenges. The most significant of these is the iPhone 17 Pro’s ScratchGate, while buyers have also reported intermittent camera malfunctions and Wi-Fi issues. Additionally, some users of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are encountering cellular connectivity problems with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and other networks. Interestingly, users report that the iPhone Air appears unaffected.
Initially discovered by PhoneArena, several threads on Reddit outline the connectivity difficulties some users have experienced. Temporarily losing the carrier connection can lead to various complications, including dropped calls and problems with apps that depend on internet access. Nevertheless, these cellular problems are not lasting. The iPhone 17 devices will re-establish a connection to the network once the signal is lost.
This is still an issue, but it is one that Apple might resolve through a software update, given the nature of the symptoms. The fact that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon users have reported connectivity troubles with the iPhone 17 models suggests that it is not an issue tied to a specific mobile carrier. Furthermore, PhoneArena conducted a poll asking users about their cellular experiences with the new devices, revealing that under 50% of respondents encountered issues. This implies the problem is considerable, but not every buyer faced dropped signals. This further indicates that, once again, the hardware is not at fault.
Apple is aware of the iPhone 17 connectivity problems.
“I just spoke with a senior Apple advisor who confirmed they are experiencing issues with the iPhone 17 and cellular signals,” stated Reddit user SubstantialBaker128 earlier this week. “I have eSIMs from all three major carriers, and all have been inconsistent. I’ll go from 4 bars with 5G UW on Verizon and 5G+ on AT&T, 5G UC on T-Mobile, to nothing on all three. Dropped calls and texts that don’t send — all in locations where my previous iPhone had zero issues.” The Redditor mentioned that Apple is addressing the bug, but there is no timeline for when a solution will be available.
In response to the same thread, Reddit user Ancient_Cockroach mentioned that a senior Apple Support adviser told them that Apple’s best course of action is to replace the device. The tests conducted by Apple on the problematic unit indicated that everything appeared normal. The user described their experience as “Super frustrating. I’ll be driving, streaming music, and suddenly no more music for a few minutes. Zero bars, SOS mode, and then LTE comes back, followed by 5G. It takes about 15-30 seconds.” They added that they live in a major metropolitan area where they never faced cellular issues with the iPhone 15 Pro.
Finally, Reddit user Better-Patient-223 reported that Apple support performed a network configuration on the iPhone 17 Pro. The user should wait 24 hours for the network configuration to be saved on the device, after which the service should stabilize.
What can you do?
The iPhone 17 models are expected to have enhanced cellular connectivity compared to their predecessors, especially the Pro editions. The camera module on the back includes a built-in antenna. Reviewers like Mrwhosetheboss noted the improved 5G signal, although he tested the device in the UK using a physical SIM card. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon users in the U.S. purchased an iPhone 17 version that utilizes eSIM cards. A user in Europe commenting on the Reddit threads experienced the same problem while using an eSIM. The new iPhone 17 versions are also equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modems that manage cellular connectivity, including 5G. Only the iPhone Air features Apple’s proprietary C1X model.
While iPhone 17 users experiencing the cellular connectivity bug cannot directly address the problem, it may be helpful to reset the device to see if that resolves the issue. Contacting Apple Support is also a wise move, as they may provide additional assistance. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to return the device until a remedy is available.
According to Tom’s Guide, one individual mentioned on Reddit that an update to the current iOS 26 developer beta release (iOS 26.1 beta 1) resolved the issue. Reddit user mysterioussilas noted in a thread earlier this week that they updated to iOS 26 beta, which appeared to solve the problem. However, they later updated their comment to state that the cellular connectivity issue persisted.
