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doboy

macrumors 68040
Jul 6, 2007
3,774
2,945
My experiences so far:
1st Max-no issues with ~3 GB worth of speedtests on TMo prepaid. Returned because I didn't really like the color and thought I would wait for XR. Bought on launch date.

2nd Max-bought a silver one 1 week after returning the gold one because I was bored without a new device and I liked the silver color better. Again no issues with the phone on TMo and was able to pull ~140 Mbps DL in one area shortly before switching carriers. After switching to AT&T prepaid speed dropped to ~25 DL in same area where I got 140 w/ TMo. Not likely device related.

Went home to test (horrible TMo, < 1 Mbps DL) and got 5-10 Mbps DL on AT&T during the day and when I tested again at midnight I got like 50 down! Testing today at work I'm getting between 30-50 DL and was on 3 separate conference calls totaling 2.5 hours with no drops. Overall tested Max for ~ 3 weeks (2 devices) with no observable issues with connection so far on two different carriers.
 
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kneezmo

macrumors regular
Dec 31, 2017
235
141
[QUOTE = "ROLLTIDE1, post: 26688786, miembro: 736150"] no hay actualizaciones de portadoras nuevas con 12.1 beta 5 [/ QUOTE]

so.. all remains the same. maybe beta6.. and after, global release with te new ipads.
 

jabbok

macrumors member
Feb 22, 2009
81
51
I guess I will have to return the 2nd XS Max the cellular isn't too bad this time although it does drop from LTE to 3G all the time but I seem to be getting 2-3 bars although I am going out of the city tomorrow so I can test it again but the issue with the new one is that it will not connect with Bluetooth to my car and with the AW it will connect but keeps dropping the connections I unpaired the phone installed as new and then paired it again with the phone it connected but after about 10-15 mins it drops again and then it takes forever to connect or I have to restart the watch to get it to connect.

This is beyond ridiculous for such a costly phone there shouldn't be the issues that there are with connectivity!!!!
 

OTACORB

macrumors 68000
Jun 21, 2009
1,546
1,035
Central, Louisiana
They added wifi at the office today which we've not had. I connected my work phone and it got two full bars steady in my office. XS Max 1 bar at the most and half the time it was dropping back to LTE. They did this to help us keep our data down. Though it wasn't mean for us to use personally I told the IT person I just wanted to try it. He was amazed that this new iPhone couldn't keep a signal vs the iPhone 8+. Here I am debating about taking it back and replacing with the XR. This just put me one step closer. What is weird is I've not had any LTE issues, but 95% of the time I am apparently in pretty decent coverage. This phone I've not taken out to my brothers which they only get signal if the wind is blowing just right. Oh well... a few more days to decide. They have had over a month to address these issues and while they have improved some of them, it is more and more looking to be hardware and there won't ever really be a fix. I suppose there will be many who will just accept this as the norm, but I will not. I don't care what others have or are experienced I can only go by my experience because it's my $1500. This is what I get for bragging earlier in the thread saying I didn't have wifi issues. Seems because my signal at home is so strong that unless you get to a area where the signal is weaker you likely won't experience issues.
 
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vinegarshots

macrumors 6502a
Sep 24, 2018
972
1,332
They added wifi at the office today which we've not had. I connected my work phone and it got two full bars steady in my office. XS Max 1 bar at the most and half the time it was dropping back to LTE. They did this to help us keep our data down. Though it wasn't mean for us to use personally I told the IT person I just wanted to try it. He was amazed that this new iPhone couldn't keep a signal vs the iPhone 8+. Here I am debating about taking it back and replacing with the XR. This just put me one step closer. What is weird is I've not had any LTE issues, but 95% of the time I am apparently in pretty decent coverage. This phone I've not taken out to my brothers which they only get signal if the wind is blowing just right. Oh well... a few more days to decide. They have had over a month to address these issues and while they have improved some of them, it is more and more looking to be hardware and there won't ever really be a fix. I suppose there will be many who will just accept this as the norm, but I will not. I don't care what others have or are experienced I can only go by my experience because it's my $1500. This is what I get for bragging earlier in the thread saying I didn't have wifi issues. Seems because my signal at home is so strong that unless you get to a area where the signal is weaker you likely won't experience issues.

My theory is that the problems aren’t a bad batch of defective phones, and that people who’ve exchanged and seen improvements are just experiencing different environmental conditions after the swap. And probably quite a few people think everything is working great, when either WiFi or cell or both are not quite up to par.

A bad batch of components or manufacturing issues causing this is made less likely by the fact that Apple is having 3 or 4 different facilities put these together independently.

That being said, I’m still not ruling out software being involved somehow, because WiFi and Cellular use different antennas, are controlled by different systems in the phone, and people are having problems with both. It would be pretty weird if they totally botched hardware design of all connectivity elements in a phone that’s barely different from the X.
 
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Frankfurt

macrumors 6502a
Dec 4, 2016
740
889
USA
Everybody with issues should simply return their phones and move on - either return/exchange or get another phone (model or brand) all together. My XS that I have since launch date has no apparent connectivity issue. In the past four weeks this phone traveled through Europe, several states in the U.S. via car, went through fringe areas etc.

If it had issues I'd get rid of it and move on with life.

Whatever the cause might be, I doubt it is affecting a large quantity of phones given the lack of broad based social media outrage - and, yes, I don't believe in conspiracy theories of Apple blackmailing the world to keep this "scandal" under wraps.

Finally, it took Apple about 6 weeks to fix the LTE connectivity issues on iPhone 7 Verizon 2016 (via iOS and carrier update). Hence, this is not the first phone to ever have "connectivity issues".
 

smoking monkey

macrumors 68020
Mar 5, 2008
2,362
1,508
I HUNGER
I have to say, you really have gone above and beyond to make this phone work for yourself. I do agree in that it seems it’s time to just make the decision to just not upgrade to XS line of phones. I got the XR ordered and if it works out I will return my 2nd Max on Friday and just hang with it till next year. Hopefully there are no issues with it. We shall see.

I'm moving towards your solution. I haven't even bought an XSM yet, because I don't want a phone with the Sword of Damocles hanging over it.

I do still have time to ponder my purchase and wait to see if they can fix this by December, but if no solution has been found by then, I will get an XR. It's 55,000yen cheaper for me too. While that is good, the bigger screen and slightly better camera of the XMS will be put to use a lot and I see the extra money spent worth it in the long run.

I get the feeling that even if they can fix this with software or get it working good enough, they'll redesign the insides of the phone next year to make sure the phones fix any previous problems. Like they did with iPhone 4 to 4S, 6+ to 6S+ and the X this year in Japan with its silent internal hardware mod to fix SUICA usage.
 
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OTACORB

macrumors 68000
Jun 21, 2009
1,546
1,035
Central, Louisiana
Everybody with issues should simply return their phones and move on - either return/exchange or get another phone (model or brand) all together. My XS that I have since launch date has no apparent connectivity issue. In the past four weeks this phone traveled through Europe, several states in the U.S. via car, went through fringe areas etc.

I can only speak for myself, but my plan is bring it back and move on if I make that decision. I think that is every ones eventual plan, well those that can still do it. Let's not pretend this isn't an issue. Now to what level the issue is we have no idea. However, the fact remains that most people never really hit those fringe areas except occasionally and so they likely don't notice the issue. You don't realize the issue is with the phone when you drop signal or it drops to 3G because that may seem normal. Most of us on this forum are a bit on the geek side in that we analyze stuff to death, almost to a point of not being able to enjoy it. However, its like a rung bell, once it's rung you can't unring it.

I'm moving towards your solution. I haven't even bought an XSM yet, because I don't want a phone with the Sword of Damocles hanging over it.

I get the feeling that even if they can fix this with software or get it working good enough, they'll redesign the insides of the phone next year to make sure the phones fix any previous problems. Like they did with iPhone 4 to 4S, 6+ to 6S+ and the X this year in Japan with its silent internal hardware mod to fix SUICA usage.

Apple is very good and just playing dumb and never admitting there is really an issue. Because most people do live in areas that have fairly good coverage they may never realize the issue. The thing is if the issue doesn't rare it's ugly head to a point where you are bothered by it then it is a non-issue and that is what Apple is hoping. I don't believe in conspiracy theories in that Apple is controlling the message here. There are many publications that Apple doesn't like that never get invited to the Apple Party... they would surely not be afraid to tell it like it is.

Again speaking for myself only... the more I've used the XS Max.. the more I've come to realize these issues and while they aren't significant. When I factor in the cost of this device, my enjoyment of the use of this device, I have to draw a conclusion as to rather this phone is worth the cost of admission. I am just not so sure it is, but that is still pending a final determination in the coming days. However, I am not going to say to everyone... hey just bring the phone back and shut the hell up. I think there are several on this very forum that has worked diligently with Apple to try to figure this out so it's been a worthwhile effort even if they eventually just have to give up.
 

Arei

macrumors newbie
Oct 20, 2018
14
6
Texas
Reading posts in this forum about the connectivity issues really made me worry about getting an XS, but everything has been exactly as it was on my 6s+. For some reason cell reception really fluctuates at my house, and I’ve actually been keeping higher bars than I did before. Though is this mostly a Max issue with the poorer reception?
 

predation

macrumors 65816
Apr 3, 2013
1,237
867
I just came back from work and was doing speed tests all the way back.

Fortunately for me, I’m having the same cell reception levels as my 7+ (now xs max).

Maybe I’m used to having intel modems since the 7+. :shrug:

Real question is how well it work in non-recurring situations.
 

Otflyer

macrumors 65816
Nov 14, 2017
1,474
999
SF Bay Area
Reading posts in this forum about the connectivity issues really made me worry about getting an XS, but everything has been exactly as it was on my 6s+. For some reason cell reception really fluctuates at my house, and I’ve actually been keeping higher bars than I did before. Though is this mostly a Max issue with the poorer reception?
It’s a problem with XS and XS Max. More people have a Max so it appears to be more problematic.
 

kneezmo

macrumors regular
Dec 31, 2017
235
141
Apple tech says they are aware of the problem. But call Apple tech support let them know about the problem

Yes, i read the same, but as another user tolds.. probably apple increase signal bars interface in the iPhone that makes you belive you have a good signal xD
Now serious. If the hardware have any portion of this problem.. they can improve this a bit.. but the real problem will be there, hidding, but remains there.. If your phone works perfect, then enjoy! but if you think about this buy.. keep your X, buy an X and hold extra $ in your pocket, or skip for the next year. My personal opinion of course.
 

imtoomuch

macrumors member
Sep 25, 2018
81
93
Sounds like a lot of horror stories with Apple "customer service". I was always under the impression that they had good customer service. Apparently not.

Why are people so fanatical about Apple again?
 

gigapocket1

macrumors 68020
Mar 15, 2009
2,410
1,920
Good point. I'm on Verizon. I have the unlocked version of the XS Max that I bought outright.

I’ve just been reading this forum. And trying to find the thing that’s common. And it just seems that it’s the AT&T users. More specifically. The guy 2 pages back that was getting 150 down on T-Mobile. And 1/3 or less down with an att sim in the same phone.
 
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Nhwhazup

macrumors 68040
Sep 2, 2010
3,472
1,718
New Hampshire
I have ATT and had cellular problems with 2 Maxes.
I’ve just been reading this forum. And trying to find the thing that’s common. And it just seems that it’s the AT&T users. More specifically. The guy 2 pages back that was getting 150 down on T-Mobile. And 1/3 or less down with an att sim in the same phone.
I have ATT and had cellular connectivity problems with 2 Maxes.
 

petesavage

macrumors newbie
Dec 17, 2017
23
30
Everybody with issues should simply return their phones and move on - either return/exchange or get another phone (model or brand) all together. My XS that I have since launch date has no apparent connectivity issue. In the past four weeks this phone traveled through Europe, several states in the U.S. via car, went through fringe areas etc.

If it had issues I'd get rid of it and move on with life.

...Finally, it took Apple about 6 weeks to fix the LTE connectivity issues on iPhone 7 Verizon 2016 (via iOS and carrier update). Hence, this is not the first phone to ever have "connectivity issues".

I’m one of the folks that have a XS Max with cellular issues on Verizon (no phone/LTE service at all in places where I previously had it with the X, and no signal side-by-side in those places with my son’s 6s showing full bars). Problem is, I’m past the return window, and even if I am given an exchange (which someone here said Apple gives you a hard time about if *they* think everything’s fine), odds are at least even (according to what I’ve read here) that the replacement unit will have the same issues.

I’m really hoping for a software fix (a la the iPhone 7 fix you mentioned), but given Apple’s silence, I’m starting to feel worried that I’m going to just be stuck for a few years with this great little iPad/camera that doesn’t work reliably as an actual *telephone*.

"We want to reinvent the phone. What's the killer app? The killer app is making calls!"

— Steve Jobs

Apparently that part isn’t so important to Apple these days. :(
 

kneezmo

macrumors regular
Dec 31, 2017
235
141
[QUOTE = "Nhwhazup, post: 26690594, miembro: 489629"] Tengo ATT y tuve problemas celulares con 2 Maxes.

Tengo ATT y tuve problemas de conectividad celular con 2 Maxes. [/ QUOTE]

Y ahora estás contento con una X :pag
[doublepost=1540297614][/doublepost]
I’m one of the folks that have a XS Max with cellular issues on Verizon (no phone/LTE service at all in places where I previously had it with the X, and no signal side-by-side in those places with my son’s 6s showing full bars). Problem is, I’m past the return window, and even if I am given an exchange (which someone here said Apple gives you a hard time about if *they* think everything’s fine), odds are at least even (according to what I’ve read here) that the replacement unit will have the same issues.

I’m really hoping for a software fix (a la the iPhone 7 fix you mentioned), but given Apple’s silence, I’m starting to feel worried that I’m going to just be stuck for a few years with this great little iPad/camera that doesn’t work reliably as an actual *telephone*.

"We want to reinvent the phone. What's the killer app? The killer app is making calls!"

— Steve Jobs

Apparently that part isn’t so important to Apple these days. :(

I really start to thing the quality of the products is decaying last years.. Tim Cook seems to be a great seller, and Apple wins more money than never.. but at the expense of what? a customer service no longer so good? some products with lower quality controls? and all accompanied by some price increases that are crazy. And I say it as a lover of what Jobs created, and of the products they make .. but not at any price.
 
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