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

[Nhwhazup]

Questions for those that have returned their new phones?

If a real fix comes through, will you purchase another new phone or just wait until next year?

I notice that the Apple online store has the 8 and 7 versions still for sale but none of the X’s. Did they sell out of these or did they just pull them off the market? Any thoughts?

 

[jona2125]

I notice that the Apple online store has the 8 and 7 versions still for sale but none of the X’s. Did they sell out of these or did they just pull them off the market? Any thoughts?

They discontinued them the day they announced the XS. Remaining in store stock at Apple stores was discounted $100 and they will not restock.

 

[blwade]

Questions for those that have returned their new phones?

If a real fix comes through, will you purchase another new phone or just wait until next year?

I notice that the Apple online store has the 8 and 7 versions still for sale but none of the X’s. Did they sell out of these or did they just pull them off the market? Any thoughts?

The X is no longer in production. There’s no room in the lineup for it with the 8, XR, and the XS. If you want a X, you need to buy one used or find existing stock at other retailers.

I’ve been watching this tread closely as it concerns me, but I’ve not really noticed an issue. At my work, I typically get 1-2 bars of reception and that doesn’t seem to have changed with the XS Max for me... so I don’t think I’m having the problems others are posting about. I also don’t have any issues with the 2.4/5Ghz wireless either. My phone is getting full use of my download speeds even in areas of my house that WiFi is weak.

 

[athand]

If a real fix comes through, will you purchase another new phone or just wait until next year?

Personally I'm going to keep using my 8+ for the time being while watching the case!

 

[scrappygolucky]

Questions for those that have returned their new phones?

If a real fix comes through, will you purchase another new phone or just wait until next year?

If it is not a hardware issue and can be patched via software/firmware, I will absolutely re-buy the XS. The phone looks excellent to me except for this one problem.

 

[Nhwhazup]

The X is no longer in production. There’s no room in the lineup for it with the 8, XR, and the XS. If you want a X, you need to buy one used or find existing stock at other retailers.

I’ve been watching this tread closely as it concerns me, but I’ve not really noticed an issue. At my work, I typically get 1-2 bars of reception and that doesn’t seem to have changed with the XS Max for me... so I don’t think I’m having the problems others are posting about. I also don’t have any issues with the 2.4/5Ghz wireless either. My phone is getting full use of my download speeds even in areas of my house that WiFi is weak.

That’s great for you. I wish I had the same experience. Maybe my next phone will be better but I’m going to wait a bit to hear from the others with issues in this group to say that the issues are fixed and not just better. I went through this with the 6 Plus - updates helped with some issues but I still had a dog that I couldn’t wait to trade in the following year.

 

[The Doctor11]

If the press picks it up and continues to harp on it I think Apple will be forced to say something. Will they admit the screwed the pooch I doubt it. Is there a fix, we can hope.

How many are going to return because of fear of getting stuck with an expensive iPhone that isn’t performing as it should. I have not had any if the issues mentioned but even I admit I am concerned. I will be very nervous seeing next Friday come knowing the return window is closing. I hope something shakes out in the coming week on this issue. I would be curious how many has decided to return and/or keep it hoping for the best?

I plan on getting mine exchanged this weekend at the apple store, I have low confidence that will solve my reception issues, and if it does not my phone will be returned next Thursday. I love this phone in a lot of ways but it needs to have a good cellular connection or its not worth much, and I paid $1500.

 

[madKIR]

Surely you don’t believe that, do you? I would would have thought most anyone would realize these are two separate teams working on things. Come on.



This is really an unfair comment. The intel models are doing fine in high signal areas. This is about poor antenna performance and seems to be a design flaw with that, not the modems. This whole Qualcomm vs Intel bs is just a distraction. Even side by side it means nothing at all outside of controlled conditions on the same bands, same antennas, and same strengths.

Not true. At least, not true in relation to the X with the Intel/Qualcomm modem of last year. Maybe this year Intel’s modem is better and it all comes down to the antenna design, but last year the difference on the same phone was there for me.

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

If the phones are doing such a fine job with signals then how come the Apple egineering staff wanted my exact phone back today to do more testing on it

 

[DarkKnight1968]

If the phones are doing such a fine job with signals then how come the Apple egineering staff wanted my exact phone back today to do more testing on it

Because it’s the only way for them to address your complaints and determine if there is a problem with your phone. It’s not like they’re just hounds to take your word for it. At least they are doing something.

 

[alent1234]

If the phones are doing such a fine job with signals then how come the Apple egineering staff wanted my exact phone back today to do more testing on it

the way engineering works is you need the exact device and take real measurements to replicate the issue

 

[jona2125]

Because it’s the only way for them to address your complaints and determine if there is a problem with your phone. It’s not like they’re just hounds to take your word for it. At least they are doing something.

I'm curious about if this issue has already been escalated internally. It took three store visits and two phone replacements before they sent it up to engineering when I had issues with my X's and that was over months of time. To see them ingesting consumer devices this rapidly makes me wonder if this is going to be publicly addressed after data logging for a bit.

 

[Juanefny]

If there was a hardware design issue it would affect everyone. I really believe this is a software issue and we should relax a bit before jumping to conclusions as none of us really know for sure what the real problem is. I’m glad I have AppleCare and trust is there are any future issues, apple will make us whole.

 

[dominiongamma]

If there was a hardware design issue it would affect everyone. I really believe this is a software issue and we should relax a bit before jumping to conclusions as none of us really know for sure what the real problem is. I’m glad I have AppleCare and trust is there are any future issues, apple will make us whole.

Agree I’m betting next few days we will get a iOS release to fix the issue

 

[Juanefny]

Agree I’m betting next few days we will get a iOS release to fix the issue

I’ve been through these rodeos before.... the iPhone that wasn’t leveled, the spring board reboots. In both of these issues, apple did swap the hardware and fixed it for me. They always come through one way or another.... even if it’s hardware.

 

[Nhwhazup]

the way engineering works is you need the exact device and take real measurements to replicate the issue

They couldn’t fix mine at the Apple store and so I returned it. They didn’t seem too interested at looking at it to test further. They quickly passed me off to someone else to process the return. I’m hoping that they use it to test and help figure out the problem.

 

[dominiongamma]

I’ve been through these rodeos before.... the iPhone that wasn’t leveled, the sprint board reboots. In both of these issues, apple did swap the hardware and fixed it for me. They always come through one way or another.... even if it’s hardware.

Should we go to Apples Genius Bar or wait to see if iOS releases an update?

 

[PBz]

Yes they asked me to do it . They want these devices so they can track down the problem . They are telling me it's not a software issue. I am back to my Iphone 7

I am not saying I don’t believe you but if they actually said it is “not a software issue” I am very surprised. I have worked with Apple on MBPs and iPhoes on issues that in one case was absolutely hardware (and they knew it) and the other was possibly hardware. In all of my interactions (months of working with them) they never excluded software. In the case of the MPB keyboard it was and they just kept placating me with hardware until I tapped out (they provided a monetary solution I was happy with). In the case of the iPhone they refused for six months after the launch of the device until I personally tapped out as I felt they were just sending me though hoops.

 

[popeyesm]

My experience trying to stay connected on the Northeast Corridor train between Wilmington and NY was frustrating. Using an XSM on AT&T, i found that even passing through and stopping at major metrics like Philly, Trenton and Newark, the phone was not grabbing LTE very effectively at all. I wa soften seeing 4G at high bar levels but still getting little to no data throughout. When the signal locked on the throughput was snappy, but that didn't last long and was halting at best.

There seemed to be a real issue with handoffs as well as switching to LTE when available. Sometimed turning cellular off and then on would help me relook onto a better signal. But it seemed like the phone itself was either having serious trouble in marginal areas or failing to handoff effectively when LTE was present.

I am going to try again this weekend during around the hills of Delaware and southern PA and see if it is worse than usual. But I am inclined to check with AT&T this weekend as well about their return policy on this ATT Next plan phone and whether anyone at Apple or the carriers is acknowledging this.

 

[elitypes]

Adding to what many have already posted, Apple is definitely investigating. They have reached out to ROLLTIDE1, myself, and others asking either for our devices or logs.

I get that not everyone is experiencing the issues and that's awesome. However I really don't understand the doubt or finger pointing at those of us posting about our issues, even if we end up being a small percentage of the user base. People have posted screenshots, speed tests, convos/experiences with Apple techs and geniuses etc. If you don't believe us then that's cool. But if you really think we are "android shills" or "apple haters" with nothing better to do, then that's your prerogative. I wish I had no need to keep posting or checking these forums. I've been more active in the last week than I ever have been since signing up for these forums a decade ago.

Back to the matter at hand, as stated I have been contacted by an apple engineer. I walked them through my problems and they had me download a profile on my phone to regularly capture "sys logs" or whatever they called them. They asked me to send them logs which I plan to do, however it's hard given I work and can't have access to my personal laptop/wifi connection during the day. I'm trying to connect with them over this weekend to provide anything they need.

 

[jkozlow3]

If there was a hardware design issue it would affect everyone. I really believe this is a software issue and we should relax a bit before jumping to conclusions as none of us really know for sure what the real problem is. I’m glad I have AppleCare and trust is there are any future issues, apple will make us whole.

It likely DOES affect everyone. However, you must have a weak signal to notice the issue (at least the cellular issues).

My wife and I both “upgraded” from the iP8 to the XS last week and we are both having issues on Verizon in locations we never had problems previously. Dropped calls, issues with silence on calls in low signal areas where LTE is hanging on for dear life but voice packets are being dropped, etc. Again, we had no issues previously in the same locations.

When I’m in a strong signal area, everything works fine. However, Verizon seems to prefer the bands that don’t penetrate buildings well vs. stronger bands so my phone sits with 1 bar of signal much of the time when I know that Band 13 provides me 3-4 bars (this is what I see immediately after rebooting the phone before the phone drops down to a weaker band).

No WiFi issues that I’ve noticed. I have gigabit internet and my phone seems to have no issues connecting to the 5Ghz band (same SSID on both bands). Speed tests on WiFi on the XS are about the same as what I get on other devices (MacBook, iPad, etc.).

 

[Nhwhazup]

Should we go to Apples Genius Bar or wait to see if iOS releases an update?

That’s kind of up to you. Always good to at least open up a ticket so they are aware of the scope of the problem. The clock is ticking to the return deadline. It would be awesome if an update fixes the problem and comes out before the end of next week.

 

[PBz]

I have read 95% of the posts in this thread.. I am sure I missed a few. Thank you to the people who are sharing their experience with this issue.

I am an 8+ owner who was torn between the XS and XSM. After reading all of these posts I am in absolutely no hurry to upgrade. I want the ‘new’ phone but there is no way I am dealing with the issue/return/deal-with-it on RF right now.

I believe there is an issue. I also believe we will see 12.0.1 today or Monday. I hope it gets resolved so people can enjoy their new (and very expensive) devices.
[doublepost=1538142529][/doublepost]

Adding to what many have already posted, Apple is definitely investigating. They have reached out to ROLLTIDE1, myself, and others asking either for our devices or logs.

I get that not everyone is experiencing the issues and that's awesome. However I really don't understand the doubt or finger pointing at those of us posting about our issues, even if we end up being a small percentage of the user base. People have posted screenshots, speed tests, convos/experiences with Apple techs and geniuses etc. If you don't believe us then that's cool. But if you really think we are "android shills" or "apple haters" with nothing better to do, then that's your prerogative. I wish I had no need to keep posting or checking these forums. I've been more active in the last week than I ever have been since signing up for these forums a decade ago.

Back to the matter at hand, as stated I have been contacted by an apple engineer. I walked them through my problems and they had me download a profile on my phone to regular capture "sys logs" or whatever they called them. They asked me to send them logs which I plan to do, however it's hard given I work and can't have access to my personal laptop/wifi connection during the day. I'm trying to connect with them over this weekend to provide anything they need.

Thank you for helping.

 

[AudibleNectar]

Adding to what many have already posted, Apple is definitely investigating. They have reached out to ROLLTIDE1, myself, and others asking either for our devices or logs.

I get that not everyone is experiencing the issues and that's awesome. However I really don't understand the doubt or finger pointing at those of us posting about our issues, even if we end up being a small percentage of the user base. People have posted screenshots, speed tests, convos/experiences with Apple techs and geniuses etc. If you don't believe us then that's cool. But if you really think we are "android shills" or "apple haters" with nothing better to do, then that's your prerogative. I wish I had no need to keep posting or checking these forums. I've been more active in the last week than I ever have been since signing up for these forums a decade ago.

Back to the matter at hand, as stated I have been contacted by an apple engineer. I walked them through my problems and they had me download a profile on my phone to regularly capture "sys logs" or whatever they called them. They asked me to send them logs which I plan to do, however it's hard given I work and can't have access to my personal laptop/wifi connection during the day. I'm trying to connect with them over this weekend to provide anything they need.

I am another who is NOT having any issues I can pinpoint, but am very pleased with your and other's reporting of the issues, so I can assess whether to keep or turn in. If Apple delivers some fixes that make the issue better that would be reassuring.

I've been giving mine a workout and am not seeing any discernable differences in performance - YET. I'm giving it the workout and seeing how it does, and will continue to watch. But I do appreciate the reports - good bad or indifferent. So thanks!!

 

[neverloyal]

You mean OCD folks or the folks who seem to pop out of the woodworks with an issue every single launch.

I have both iphones and galaxy range phones for work. The alleged signal differences between the two are basically non-existent. Ok, the S9 sometimes connects back to LTE coverage x seconds faster than an iphone.

Android users and manufacturers still don't seem to grasp why we use apple. Hint: is isn't because of one or two speedtests. Granted, Apple pretty much beats them in every benchmark but LTE speeds. Then again, most people don't walk around running speedtests. They actually use their phone. For anyone living in a metro area, as in the majority of people today, fringe coverage is not an issue.

Why are you in this thread desperately trying to dismiss people who are reporting problems. You are not having the issue so be happy and move on. It's clear some people are.

My wife's calls sound alot worse on her XS than it did on her 7, she is definitely noticing it with whoever she calls. No tests or reports required. My wife only buys iphones so she is no hater.