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

[smoking monkey]

This is the oddest issue I think I've ever seen.
I finally relented and took the gamble with an XS Max. So far, so good and using data to tether my computer at work in various locations (some not so great for reception) and no issues at all. I used it on a train over the weekend and again no problems using safari.

Speed tests come out fine, but it does depend with server you connect to on Ookla I think. I've noticed large differences using both 6s+ and XSmax. I've got 50gig data a month so I've been able to play around with the speed tests a fair bit so far.

I've got until this friday to return my phone, but fingers crossed nothing happens with it in the next 2-3 days. I really like the size of the max. But would also have been happy with an XR. The Max is ridiculously over priced though. Stuff you Apple.... haha.

But surely there has to be a common dominator in all of this. This is a crazy question, but do people with problems have the pokemon app installed? Apparently it causes data leakage. But I doubt it's this but at this point surely gotta try everything.

 

[CoolBradG]

Every day I keep checking back for updates but nothing. I refuse to take a chance on an XS until this is resolved.

 

[cub4bearin]

Every day I keep checking back for updates but nothing. I refuse to take a chance on an XS until this is resolved.

While you waiting, I’m enjoying my XS so far. No dropped calls or data yet.
Strangely enough my XR was underperforming comparing to XS.

 

[Herro177]

Got the first 512 batch when it released. Reception is still horrible. My work place generally gives me 1 bar minimum with other devices but while the iPhone displays 2 bars of LTE, I come to find it a lie. Only when restarting the phone restore reception as if when the phone hits a dead spot, it doesn't know how to recover until a restart occur. Definitly annoying, hoping and slightly praying Apple will fix it but coming from a lot of talk out there, it seem to be the Intel chip that is the issue.

 

[evoixdan]

No issues whatsoever on my new 256 XS max.

 

[Daves0024]

I have a 256gb Verizon XS Max and the signal is horrible. I dropped more calls with this phone than my past 3 iphones combined. I am sitting in the car next to my wife and she has full service and my phone shows 3g. Since updating to 12.1 it seems the icon will show LTE all the time now but the service is still horrible. This has to be a hardware issue with the phone. All other features work well. Just doesn't operate well as a phone.

 

[Nikhil72]

I have a 256gb Verizon XS Max and the signal is horrible. I dropped more calls with this phone than my past 3 iphones combined. I am sitting in the car next to my wife and she has full service and my phone shows 3g. Since updating to 12.1 it seems the icon will show LTE all the time now but the service is still horrible. This has to be a hardware issue with the phone. All other features work well. Just doesn't operate well as a phone.

There should be another beta of 12.1.1 that specifically addresses Verizon-related signal issues. (per engineering, I’ve been having extensive conversations with them at this point). They didn’t give an ETA, but I’d be surprised if the final released this week rather than another beta.

 

[The Oak]

Apple is wanting to release ECG for the Apple Watch. I think the phones will need 12.1.1 for that. Signal issues or not, I don't see signal issues holding this back. Signal issues will just have to wait till the next release if they don't get addressed.

 

[spark plugs.]

how do we get the attention of apple to fix this? this is a major problem!

 

[The Oak]

For US Verizon XS iOS 12.1.1 Official ... Modem Firmware remains at 1.02.18 and Carrier also remains at Verizon 35.0.2 ... as was found in 12.1.1 Beta 3.

 

[shortcut3d]

For US Verizon XS iOS 12.1.1 Official ... Modem Firmware remains at 1.02.18 and Carrier also remains at Verizon 35.0.2 ... as was found in 12.1.1 Beta 3.

How did you update to the official 12.1.1 from the beta?
[doublepost=1544035552][/doublepost]

There should be another beta of 12.1.1 that specifically addresses Verizon-related signal issues. (per engineering, I’ve been having extensive conversations with them at this point). They didn’t give an ETA, but I’d be surprised if the final released this week rather than another beta.

I really hope this is true. I've had marginal improvement with the 12.1.1 beta 3, but still have many areas with 1-2 bars of LTE, but apps show no service.

 

[jtrue28]

Nothing is better after 12.1.1. If anything, it’s the same as it was in 12.1.

 

[The Oak]

How did you update to the official 12.1.1 from the beta?
[doublepost=1544035552][/doublepost]

I reverted back to the main stream a week or two back.

I had a backup that I made of 12.1. Put the phone in DFU mode, and restored.

 

[rsday75]

This will help if you wish to leave the beta program....
https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/leave-ios-beta-iphone-ipad/

 

[Packers1958]

Just like the elusive unicorn, there will be no magical fix with FW.

 

[kneezmo]

Just like the elusive unicorn, there will be no magical fix with FW.

its time to accept that this problem never will be fixed with software.. Wait for iPhone XI

 

[cave1238]

How did you update to the official 12.1.1 from the beta?
[doublepost=1544035552][/doublepost]

I really hope this is true. I've had marginal improvement with the 12.1.1 beta 3, but still have many areas with 1-2 bars of LTE, but apps show no service.

Delete the beta profile, clear ram memory then reboot the phone, the update should show up.

 

[shortcut3d]

Thanks for the instructions on moving from beta to GA. I ended up figuring it out by removing the profile.

At this point, I would like to know if this is a Verizon issue only. Seems like the thread has tailed off to be mostly Verizon complaints.

 

[gigapocket1]

Just an update: I haven’t had any issues on this xs max. They did replace lines. I’m on my way back from Orlando. I drove from Memphis to Orlando. A few cut outs here and there and only 1 time with no data. Lasted for 30 seconds or so.. other wise. No main issues. Other than slow LTE speeds during speed tests.. I don’t feel the slow internet speeds when actually doing things on the phone.. Phone operates as it should.

 

[bruce316]

Sorry to hear some people are still having problems with this. I'm on Verizon in a more remote area and I have been very happy with the performance of my XS over the last few weeks running the beta. I have better reception and speeds than I ever had with my 6s. I don't have the issue other people have reported about having bars showing but no data service, my cell data has been solid even with just one or two bars. Now that the official 12.1.1 has been released I'll switch over to that in the next day or two.

 

[jim29411]

its time to accept that this problem never will be fixed with software.. Wait for iPhone XI

I believe that you are correct. This problem has been ongoing for too long without a resolution. It appears that Apple is attempting to fix (or workaround) a hardware issue with software patches. It is too costly for them to replace all of the phone so they are exhausting all possibilities to create a software patch for what appears to be a hardware problem.
[doublepost=1544057660][/doublepost]

Just an update: I haven’t had any issues on this xs max. They did replace lines. I’m on my way back from Orlando. I drove from Memphis to Orlando. A few cut outs here and there and only 1 time with no data. Lasted for 30 seconds or so.. other wise. No main issues. Other than slow LTE speeds during speed tests.. I don’t feel the slow internet speeds when actually doing things on the phone.. Phone operates as it should.

What do you mean by "they did replace lines"?

 

[lex22]

I've updated to 12.1.1. Have not tested LTE yet, but the WiFi performance is still poor when compared to to other iDevices. Here are pictures from my Xs and iPad Pro (10.5):
[doublepost=1544059935][/doublepost]

I've updated to 12.1.1. Have not tested LTE yet, but the WiFi performance is still poor when compared to to other iDevices. Here are pictures from my Xs and iPad Pro (10.5):

According to my Orbi, the Xs is still latching onto the 2.4 Ghz network, so Apple has not fixed this yet.

 

[vinegarshots]

I believe that you are correct. This problem has been ongoing for too long without a resolution. It appears that Apple is attempting to fix (or workaround) a hardware issue with software patches. It is too costly for them to replace all of the phone so they are exhausting all possibilities to create a software patch for what appears to be a hardware problem.
[doublepost=1544057660][/doublepost]

My launch day phone is still working great. Always have usable data when the phone is reporting 1 or 2 bars. Better connectivity in all the dead spots I’ve frequented in the past. Bluetooth is strong, WiFi is strong...

 

[area52]

Seems ol VZW could be throttling Netflix as the speed test on fast.com is terrible with LTE but fine with WiFi. Net-neutrality FTW!

On vzw LTE

On WiFi

For reference is ookla Speedtest on LTE

Just picked up the max this past weekend despite the problems cause ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. So far I haven’t noticed any problems but I haven’t really been looking for them either.

 

[vinegarshots]

Doing speedtests near or close to full bars proves nothing you clown.

If that proves nothing, then does my speedtest from earlier this morning in a metal warehouse in a 1-2 bar area with 30mb/4mb results prove everything?