iPhone XS Max Is the mobile reception on the xs Max even worse than iPhone X ?

[bushman4]

This is so annoying. Especially that Apple is not acknowledging it officially
There are other threads all over the web like reddit etc with a lot of complaints about this
It’s hard to believe Apple doesn’t acknowledge it

 

[solodogg]

Well, my Max just acted strange. I came into my house and it connected to WiFi. But I noticed that it was showing 4 bars for LTE (Verizon). I usually get one or two. So I thought, "Wow, this is great!" I decided to test the speed, so I turned off WiFi. It wouldn't connect to Speedtest at all. None of my online apps would connect, and I kept getting a message to check my network connection. So I put the phone into airplane mode, waited a minute and then took it off airplane mode. Now the LTE signal strength showed two bars. It would connect to WiFi, but still not to LTE. It only connected to LTE after I rebooted my phone.

This sounds like a software glitch to me since this is the first time it's happened, but I can't know for sure. Frankly, Apple should extend the return date for these phones for at least 30 days while they sort out their software. But, of course, they won't so I need to make a decision in the next few days. I've never been this ambivalent about a phone before.

Edit: One other bit of info. While the phone was in LTE limbo, I called my phone from a landline and the call went through.

Had this exact issue on my Qualcomm X with iOS 12 beta and final installed p, and also have had the issue a couple of times with the Xs. Assuming this is a software bug at this point since I never experienced this issue on the X with iOS 11. I’ve also seen “no SIM” pop up a couple of times since iOS 12, both on the X and Xs, requiring removal and reinsertion of the SIM card to correct.

Something is definitely up with cellular reception since iOS 12, just nothing specific to the Xs. I’ve also noticed that the cellular signal does not update if the display is off, thus my car radio (Sync in Mustang, uConnect in Jeep) shows whatever LTE signal was last displayed on the phone until I wake the screen up. Wife’s iPhone 8 on iOS 12 doesn’t have this issue though.

 

[txJoipX]

Well, my Max just acted strange. I came into my house and it connected to WiFi. But I noticed that it was showing 4 bars for LTE (Verizon). I usually get one or two. So I thought, "Wow, this is great!" I decided to test the speed, so I turned off WiFi. It wouldn't connect to Speedtest at all. None of my online apps would connect, and I kept getting a message to check my network connection. So I put the phone into airplane mode, waited a minute and then took it off airplane mode. Now the LTE signal strength showed two bars. It would connect to WiFi, but still not to LTE. It only connected to LTE after I rebooted my phone.

This sounds like a software glitch to me since this is the first time it's happened, but I can't know for sure. Frankly, Apple should extend the return date for these phones for at least 30 days while they sort out their software. But, of course, they won't so I need to make a decision in the next few days. I've never been this ambivalent about a phone before.

Edit: One other bit of info. While the phone was in LTE limbo, I called my phone from a landline and the call went through.

 

[matheuuv]

No, I haven't faced any problem.

 

[smoking monkey]

I really can’t tell if mine is good or bad. I have my Max on T-Mobile also. I’m in New England. Just like when I had AT&T, I have good and bad coverage in different places. I can say for sure that when I go down to 1 bar LTE, my phone will not connect to anything at all and that’s usually the indicator that I should toggle airplane mode.

If you have to toggle airplane mode then I'd imagine it's not working properly... yeah? Or is toggling airplane mode something American iPhone users have been doing for years?

 

[Nikhil72]

I have great solid service until I get on the subway, where the new phones just fail to reconnect to LTE for long periods of time unless I trigger airplane mode. Older phones connected immediately. I’m on 12.1b4 and it’s no better and driving me nuts.

 

[anopy1]

Well, my Max just acted strange. I came into my house and it connected to WiFi. But I noticed that it was showing 4 bars for LTE (Verizon). I usually get one or two. So I thought, "Wow, this is great!" I decided to test the speed, so I turned off WiFi. It wouldn't connect to Speedtest at all. None of my online apps would connect, and I kept getting a message to check my network connection. So I put the phone into airplane mode, waited a minute and then took it off airplane mode. Now the LTE signal strength showed two bars. It would connect to WiFi, but still not to LTE. It only connected to LTE after I rebooted my phone.

This sounds like a software glitch to me since this is the first time it's happened, but I can't know for sure. Frankly, Apple should extend the return date for these phones for at least 30 days while they sort out their software. But, of course, they won't so I need to make a decision in the next few days. I've never been this ambivalent about a phone before.

Edit: One other bit of info. While the phone was in LTE limbo, I called my phone from a landline and the call went through.

This same thing has been happening on my Max. It's been a few times in the last couple of weeks. Toggling airplane mode, restarting, resetting network settings, nothing has worked. It just finally "fixes" itself. But it's very frustrating. Never had this issue with my 8 Plus.

 

[petesavage]

I have great solid service until I get on the subway, where the new phones just fail to reconnect to LTE for long periods of time unless I trigger airplane mode. Older phones connected immediately. I’m on 12.1b4 and it’s no better and driving me nuts.

I’m finding that at subway stations in NYC where I used to get LTE on my X (and my son gets LTE just fine on his 6s), I have no bars, no “Verizon” indicator, and sometimes the words “No Service”, and toggling Airplane Mode on and off does nothing to improve it. I’ve tried making calls which were never a problem before, and they fail. This has been the case on both 12 and 12.0.1.

 

[Jfried1982]

I’m seeing a huge improvement in speeds in the latest beta. I’m on Sprint and while the bars remain the same in the same areas, there’s a noticeable increase in speed.

 

[Nikhil72]

I’m finding that at subway stations in NYC where I used to get LTE on my X (and my son gets LTE just fine on his 6s), I have no bars, no “Verizon” indicator, and sometimes the words “No Service”, and toggling Airplane Mode on and off does nothing to improve it. I’ve tried making calls which were never a problem before, and they fail. This has been the case on both 12 and 12.0.1.

Absolutely true for 12.0/12.1 and my X on Verizon on the 12.0 betas had zero issue. 12.1 betas do improve this but it’s still poor compared to old phones

 

[rotobadger]

This is incredibly frustrating. I am going to pick up a new X or XS today or tomorrow and still can’t decide which because of this issue. There is a tiny bit of evidence that people are having more luck buying new phones now as opposed to the easrlier batches. But that may mean nothing.

Again, I wonder if Apple quietly “fixed” the issue with hardware in manufacturing and decided to just replace complainers’ phones from early batches as not everyone is going to complain. Cheaper and less of a PR issue than openly admitting to the problem. Then EVERYONE will want a new phone.

Again, not saying I have the answer but I’m just guessing and spitballing like everyone else.

I just want to know if it is/will be fixed so I can buy a phone. Or, just be safe and get the X.

 

[jtrue28]

Do they still sell the X?

 

[Rayfire]

This is incredibly frustrating. I am going to pick up a new X or XS today or tomorrow and still can’t decide which because of this issue. There is a tiny bit of evidence that people are having more luck buying new phones now as opposed to the easrlier batches. But that may mean nothing.

Again, I wonder if Apple quietly “fixed” the issue with hardware in manufacturing and decided to just replace complainers’ phones from early batches as not everyone is going to complain. Cheaper and less of a PR issue than openly admitting to the problem. Then EVERYONE will want a new phone.

Again, not saying I have the answer but I’m just guessing and spitballing like everyone else.

I just want to know if it is/will be fixed so I can buy a phone. Or, just be safe and get the X.

Do they still sell the X?

iPhone X has been discontinued by Apple, but your carrier or other retailers might still offer them.

 

[rotobadger]

Do they still sell the X?

Best Buy and Verizon still have them.

 

[Hughey79]

I am also on the fence. Ready to order a max from Verizon asap but keep holding off hoping to get a newer built phones with zero issues. My X is good but sometimes have spotty LTE speed however no wifi issues. Do not want to deal with a mess of a new phone not working and doing exchange and exchange.
Went into a Verizon store yesterday and they were not aware of any issues of course this was a mall store but they did not have max's in stock either.

 

[DevinNj]

I am also on the fence. Ready to order a max from Verizon asap but keep holding off hoping to get a newer built phones with zero issues. My X is good but sometimes have spotty LTE speed however no wifi issues. Do not want to deal with a mess of a new phone not working and doing exchange and exchange.
Went into a Verizon store yesterday and they were not aware of any issues of course this was a mall store but they did not have max's in stock either.

I'm in the exact same boat. I was in a Verizon store Sunday and was really getting the hard sell from one of the reps. I asked if he had anyone coming in with these issues, which of course he hadn't heard of any issues. Then the guy next to me says he's there to trade in his XS for a 8, due to poor signal issues. He also said there were 2 people returning their XS's the day he bought his. My rep acted like he was shocked, claimed he's never heard of any of these issues, so the customer returning his phone and I shared a laugh as I left the store. I'm really hoping they get this resolved and soon!

 

[Hughey79]

I also went to the Apple store to play with the demos and did some speed tests on them vs my X. (I was bored and doing research). They dont have sims obviously but wifi was not good on them. Mine did better by far but they were still rocking 12.0 not updated and serial # on the one I was playing with began with FF. In the Verizon store the max blew mine away. Forgot to check serial number but it was updated to 12.0.1.
Useless info I know but oh well.

 

[Smoothie]

Had this exact issue on my Qualcomm X with iOS 12 beta and final installed p, and also have had the issue a couple of times with the Xs. Assuming this is a software bug at this point since I never experienced this issue on the X with iOS 11. I’ve also seen “no SIM” pop up a couple of times since iOS 12, both on the X and Xs, requiring removal and reinsertion of the SIM card to correct.

Something is definitely up with cellular reception since iOS 12, just nothing specific to the Xs. I’ve also noticed that the cellular signal does not update if the display is off, thus my car radio (Sync in Mustang, uConnect in Jeep) shows whatever LTE signal was last displayed on the phone until I wake the screen up. Wife’s iPhone 8 on iOS 12 doesn’t have this issue though.

I also noticed the XS's failure to update cellular signal strength while in sleep mode. I never checked to see if my iPhone 7 did this on iOS 12 because I never had to pay much attention to cellular connectivity before. I wonder whether this is just a failure of the display to update in sleep mode or whether the phone isn't periodically checking on signal quality of nearby cell sites as the phone is moving. I don't know if a cell phone is supposed to do the latter.

 

[DevinNj]

I also went to the Apple store to play with the demos and did some speed tests on them vs my X. (I was bored and doing research). They dont have sims obviously but wifi was not good on them. Mine did better by far but they were still rocking 12.0 not updated and serial # on the one I was playing with began with FF. In the Verizon store the max blew mine away. Forgot to check serial number but it was updated to 12.0.1.
Useless info I know but oh well.

I really didn't have much time at Verizon to check speeds and and the s/n and such, the rep was up in my s*** but it was very snappy, and the screen is impressive. After the guy next to me said how he'd seen other people with issues and the sales rep's awful acting job, that was enough. I'm gonna run down to Apple later/tomorrow. At least if I get it through Apple and have issues, there wouldn't be a restocking fee if I returned it.

 

[Smoothie]

This is incredibly frustrating. I am going to pick up a new X or XS today or tomorrow and still can’t decide which because of this issue. There is a tiny bit of evidence that people are having more luck buying new phones now as opposed to the easrlier batches. But that may mean nothing.

Again, I wonder if Apple quietly “fixed” the issue with hardware in manufacturing and decided to just replace complainers’ phones from early batches as not everyone is going to complain. Cheaper and less of a PR issue than openly admitting to the problem. Then EVERYONE will want a new phone.

Again, not saying I have the answer but I’m just guessing and spitballing like everyone else.

I just want to know if it is/will be fixed so I can buy a phone. Or, just be safe and get the X.

I'm not convinced it's a "bad batch" of phones that has the issue. Mine was built during the week of Sept. 23 (week 13), and it's had occasional problems with cellular connectivity. On my phone, the complete failure to connect to the cellular network didn't show up for 10 days. There are so many variables at play here that people who've exchanged their phones and felt the new one is better may not have had it long enough for a problem to show up. (I'm not saying that some phones don't have a manufacturing defect, but I don't think there's a batch of phones that do.) Hey, we're all spitballing here.

If the problem is a defect in hardware design as opposed to manufacture, I'd assume that any "quiet" redesign that substantially affects the radio performance of the phone would need to be submitted to the FCC for approval, so it wouldn't remain quiet.

So we're kind of in the same place we were at the beginning of this saga. Only Apple, Intel and the carriers might really know what's causing occasional poor LTE connectivity of these phones; i.e., whether it's hardware, software or a combination of the two. If it's the first or third options, that's not great news.

 

[elitypes]

I'm not convinced it's a "bad batch" of phones that has the issue. Mine was built during the week of Sept. 23 (week 13), and it's had occasional problems with cellular connectivity. On my phone, the complete failure to connect to the cellular network didn't show up for 10 days. There are so many variables at play here that people who've exchanged their phones and felt the new one is better may not have had it long enough for a problem to show up. (I'm not saying that some phones don't have a manufacturing defect, but I don't think there's a batch of phones that do.) Hey, we're all spitballing here.

If the problem is a defect in hardware design as opposed to manufacture, I'd assume that any "quiet" redesign that substantially affects the radio performance of the phone would need to be submitted to the FCC for approval, so it wouldn't remain quiet.

So we're kind of in the same place we were at the beginning of this saga. Only Apple, Intel and the carriers might really know what's causing occasional poor LTE connectivity of these phones; i.e., whether it's hardware, software or a combination of the two. If it's the first or third options, that's not great news.

That's been the most frustrating thing, no one knows and Apple hasn't said a thing. Again understanding that these issues take time, it's still frustrating being in the dark. Yes yes I know they are probably avoiding any PR issues and yes yes I know sometimes saying something is worse without a solution, but it doesn't change how frustrated I, and others, are feeling.

As you stated I'm most curious about some folk who have replaced their units and are seeing better performance. None of this really makes sense given we are all spit-balling. I have mainly just been on these forums, but yesterday finally got around to checking elsewhere and there are so many posts/threads about this across here, reddit, and the apple support forums. It's crazy even IF this is just a vocal minority.

 

[dan9700]

Always drop out calls

 

[rotobadger]

If the problem is a defect in hardware design as opposed to manufacture, I'd assume that any "quiet" redesign that substantially affects the radio performance of the phone would need to be submitted to the FCC for approval, so it wouldn't remain quiet.

Excellent point. That’s makes sense and is a little discouraging at the same time.

 

[vinegarshots]

Excellent point. That’s makes sense and is a little discouraging at the same time.

If it was a hardware design problem, there wouldnt be working phones anywhere

 

[cornerexit]

This is incredibly frustrating. I am going to pick up a new X or XS today or tomorrow and still can’t decide which because of this issue. There is a tiny bit of evidence that people are having more luck buying new phones now as opposed to the easrlier batches. But that may mean nothing.

Again, I wonder if Apple quietly “fixed” the issue with hardware in manufacturing and decided to just replace complainers’ phones from early batches as not everyone is going to complain. Cheaper and less of a PR issue than openly admitting to the problem. Then EVERYONE will want a new phone.

Again, not saying I have the answer but I’m just guessing and spitballing like everyone else.

I just want to know if it is/will be fixed so I can buy a phone. Or, just be safe and get the X.

I’d either wait more time or find an X. I’d also recommend waiting on user reports on the XR. I’ve been told on here it uses the previous antenna design. If the XR has none of these Xs problems that’s the route I would go. If you want to buy now, no way in the Xs, I’d buy a leftover X, preferably with the Qualcomm chipset.