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MEJHarrison

macrumors 68000
Feb 2, 2009
1,522
2,723
What I can’t figure out is why other manufacturers must have a notch when they don’t have anything like the equipment that Apple packs in that space.

Because the notch isn't for Face ID. Well, it is for that, but it's also for the front facing camera, the ambient light detector, the speaker / earpiece and a proximity detector. Just because other manufacturers don't have Face ID to worry about doesn't mean they don't have hardware looking for a home.

We have a notch so we can have an edge-to-edge screen, not so we can have Face ID.
 
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roncron

macrumors 65816
Aug 15, 2011
1,182
2,283
Now I totally understand the notch not bothering someone as that’s what I discovered while using the Max, but LOVE the notch? Why would you love it? Wouldn’t we all rather have an edge-2-edge screen with no impedance whatsoever?
I am with you.

But: He might have said that sarcastically, and/or because in a few days, new ipad pros will likely have a notch.

Or he might have meant it. I know someone who loves the notch on his X because, at least last fall/winter, it was a kind of status symbol and because it represents a lot of cool new tech.
 

solodogg

macrumors 6502a
Oct 28, 2011
511
215
Orlando
1. It will take about a good 45 secs. before the calls starts to ring.

2. Often, I'll wait 45 secs. before the signal drops where the phone doesn't complete the call.

...I've never experienced this with my 5S..

Which carrier? None of the major carriers ever supported VoLTE on the 5S, so all calls were made using the CDMA/UTMS networks. WiFi calling was also not supported on Verizon/Sprint on the 5S.

No, I don't use any bluetooth in my vehicle.

Looping back to this, are you on 12.0.1 or 12.1 Beta? I have not tried using Beta 5 to see if this issue is resolved or not.
 

Lammy

macrumors regular
Oct 27, 2013
239
268
Out of the 8+ Xs Max's I've used/tried (each returned for screen issues / gaps in the SS band and rough edges), I haven't experienced any cellular or wifi issues. I would swap my sim card and do a speed test in the corner of my basement (worst signal location) and each phone has performed as well as my X (intel modem) did or slightly better.

Xs Max 256gb on At&t.

Hopefully a carrier update will help those having problems.
 

threeonthetree

macrumors member
Oct 21, 2018
73
76
I have the iPhone XS Max 256gb. I was having these issues but I was lucky enough that my carrier has really good reception. But I've noticed, it stalls at times when it needs to use data. Like for instance, loading pages, or when I asked Siri something that it needs data to get information which doesn't happen on my X. It's been almost a week now since I've put the phone on DFU mode and restored from there, I did that twice. Didnt restore my backup and patiently restored everything one by one. My phone has been acting like my X since. This might be a coincidence because I'm running the latest beta versions now though unlike prior to DFU restore.
 

kneezmo

macrumors regular
Dec 31, 2017
235
141
I just got my XS Max last week on Thursday. I finally got the box opened this past Monday to set things up. So far the issues I've encountered are due to making outgoing calls.

1. It will take about a good 45 secs. before the calls starts to ring.

2. Often, I'll wait 45 secs. before the signal drops where the phone doesn't complete the call.

Are these known mobile receptions that are being discussed on this thread. I need to know, because I have until 10/31st to make a return or exchange. I'm a little disappointed. I've never experienced this with my 5S.

Thanks.

If i was you.. i will return this device and wait 1 or 2 weeks for more updates.. if any update fix this issues, re-buy. If dont.. then keep your money in your pocket, buy an X like me and other users did, or skip for 2019. Thats my personal opinion.
 

Nhwhazup

macrumors 68040
Sep 2, 2010
3,472
1,718
New Hampshire
Okay so question for the group.

When I returned the 2nd Max to Apple earlier this week and the return guy took the phone, I just realized that he didn’t ask for me to login to clear and reset the phone as they did with the prior return. I guess shame on me for not doing it myself - I thought that they might be interested in seeing the issues I was having. Should I contact them?
 
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Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
Okay so question for the group.

When I returned the 2nd Max to Apple earlier this week and the return guy took the phone, I just realized that he didn’t ask for me to login to clear and reset the phone as they did with the prior return. I guess shame on me for not doing it myself - I thought that they might be interested in seeing the issues I was having. Should I contact them?

Contact them for what? You phone is likely on the way back to be refurbished and they do not need you to help reset. Next time when you know they are going to replace it, do a encrypted backup on itunes and reset the phone just before you hand it to them.
 

smoking monkey

macrumors 68020
Mar 5, 2008
2,362
1,508
I HUNGER
If i was you.. i will return this device and wait 1 or 2 weeks for more updates.. if any update fix this issues, re-buy. If dont.. then keep your money in your pocket, buy an X like me and other users did, or skip for 2019. Thats my personal opinion.

Def good advice re returning the phone. Don't let Apple trap you with the phone.

I personally think the XR is also a consderation. The X's screen is too small for me. You do miss out on Zoom and full portrait mode. But you get a better camera that will take much better night time photos. mmm... It's a very tough choice to be honest.

You couldn't go wrong with either phone and ET Phones Home will save a fair bit of cash either way.

BTW, is ET PHONE HOME the poster who said last week on this thread that he was buying a Max even after reading all these problems? I guess they rolled the dice and it didn't come up shiny. Personally I couldn't have done that out of respect to my time and wallet!
 
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crouch

macrumors regular
Jan 4, 2012
143
263
So I foolishly upgraded my 8+ to an XS last night, fully knowing I might run into LTE issues, and whalla, I have them, in spades. My phone can't keep an LTE connection in my house anymore, and my download speeds are terrible--web pages freeze like they never have before. My new phone spends most of its time on 4G, and data trickles in like sludge. A question:

I realize I'm never getting my 8+ back from the Apple Store, but if I try returning my new XS for a replacement, will I have to pay another $30 to AT&T to activate yet another phone?
 

kneezmo

macrumors regular
Dec 31, 2017
235
141
So I foolishly upgraded my 8+ to an XS last night, fully knowing I might run into LTE issues, and whalla, I have them, in spades. My phone can't keep an LTE connection in my house anymore, and my download speeds are terrible--web pages freeze like they never have before. My new phone spends most of its time on 4G, and data trickles in like sludge. A question:

I realize I'm never getting my 8+ back from the Apple Store, but if I try returning my new XS for a replacement, will I have to pay another $30 to AT&T to activate yet another phone?

where i live, you have 7 days if your device doesnt work well.. I will try to get my money back and get another device... this is an expensive phone to stay every day looking if works well or no.. join in da X best buy club man xD
 

AMTYVLE

macrumors 6502a
Sep 23, 2014
704
618
Florida
So I foolishly upgraded my 8+ to an XS last night, fully knowing I might run into LTE issues, and whalla, I have them, in spades. My phone can't keep an LTE connection in my house anymore, and my download speeds are terrible--web pages freeze like they never have before. My new phone spends most of its time on 4G, and data trickles in like sludge. A question:

I realize I'm never getting my 8+ back from the Apple Store, but if I try returning my new XS for a replacement, will I have to pay another $30 to AT&T to activate yet another phone?

I was debating on buying the XS Max myself yesterday, seeing if I would have the LTE issues. If I did I would return the XS Max, if all good, keep the XS Max. I would love the Max for the bigger screen.

I would keep my X from last year as a back up phone in case the XS Max didn't work out.
[doublepost=1540469113][/doublepost]
What I can’t figure out is why other manufacturers must have a notch when they don’t have anything like the equipment that Apple packs in that space.

The Pixel 3 has an even bigger notch than the iPhone with not much in it!

0_o

To be copycats.
 

PBz

macrumors 68030
Nov 3, 2005
2,616
1,577
SoCal
So I foolishly upgraded my 8+ to an XS last night, fully knowing I might run into LTE issues, and whalla, I have them, in spades. My phone can't keep an LTE connection in my house anymore, and my download speeds are terrible--web pages freeze like they never have before. My new phone spends most of its time on 4G, and data trickles in like sludge. A question:

I realize I'm never getting my 8+ back from the Apple Store, but if I try returning my new XS for a replacement, will I have to pay another $30 to AT&T to activate yet another phone?
I would try doing full DFU and setup as new. It isn’t ‘easy’ but it really isn’t that hard either. Unless you just return the phone Apple will likely require this.

For those not familiar... some tips on this DFU reset thing:

- make sure your mail/contacts/calendar are saved in an account. I use Gmail and Yahoo. Because they are tied to the accounts and not the phone they can be deleted and added back (all of them) in seconds.

- Have photos backed up to iCloud, Google Photos, etc (or several). I would turn off Photostream personallly.

- apps can all be added back by installing them. yes, logging back into them takes some time but a fresh build can lead to less headaches.. try using a BT keyboard to speed the process up.

- you can also backup Messages to the cloud. I am not one of those people that hangs on to Messages but I have used this and it works pretty good.


A fresh install is a good idea every once and a while. I do it about every full iOS update.
[doublepost=1540471226][/doublepost]Hearing about new XS having same issues is unfortunate.. I am so itching to upgrade to the XS.. possibly the XR. XS more likely as I am going smaller. It does seem like there is less activity here and some news of things getting better.
 

kneezmo

macrumors regular
Dec 31, 2017
235
141
I would try doing full DFU and setup as new. It isn’t ‘easy’ but it really isn’t that hard either. Unless you just return the phone Apple will likely require this.

For those not familiar... some tips on this DFU reset thing:

- make sure your mail/contacts/calendar are saved in an account. I use Gmail and Yahoo. Because they are tied to the accounts and not the phone they can be deleted and added back (all of them) in seconds.

- Have photos backed up to iCloud, Google Photos, etc (or several). I would turn off Photostream personallly.

- apps can all be added back by installing them. yes, logging back into them takes some time but a fresh build can lead to less headaches.. try using a BT keyboard to speed the process up.

- you can also backup Messages to the cloud. I am not one of those people that hangs on to Messages but I have used this and it works pretty good.


A fresh install is a good idea every once and a while. I do it about every full iOS update.
[doublepost=1540471226][/doublepost]Hearing about new XS having same issues is unfortunate.. I am so itching to upgrade to the XS.. possibly the XR. XS more likely as I am going smaller. It does seem like there is less activity here and some news of things getting better.

Hope the silence os this days be for good news... maybe the people are tired and just skip of this..
 

smoking monkey

macrumors 68020
Mar 5, 2008
2,362
1,508
I HUNGER
I was debating on buying the XS Max myself yesterday, seeing if I would have the LTE issues. If I did I would return the XS Max, if all good, keep the XS Max. I would love the Max for the bigger screen.

I reckon waiting it out is the best thing to do at this point. I'd also love nothing more than to grab a Max for the exact same reason as you, for the bigger screen, but I'm hangin' tough!

Kneezmo,

I think people are just getting jacked off with the situation and coming to the conclusion that there is stuff all they can do about it. It's out of their hands at this point.
 
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