The iPhone 17 launch has been a bit of a mixed bag so far, with Apple’s latest smartphones leaving some users salty despite being well received by reviewers. the iPhone 17 Pro is Apple off its leash as a camera and performance powerhouse. But then came the issues. First, there was scratch-gate, where users complained that the mostly aluminum chassis of the new phones were easily damaged, though Apple dismissed that as nothing more than some MagSafe charging stands rubbing off on the phones. Now, though, there’s a new problem dogging these top-tier handsets.
According to some users, iPhone 17 models are plagued by cellular connectivity issues. The issues appear to persist across carriers, meaning customers on AT&T fare no better than those on Verizon or other networks. iPhone owners are seeing dropped calls, missed or unsent messages, and difficulty getting a signal even in areas where other phones get solid coverage. Wi-Fi seems affected, too, with some users reporting connection drops immediately after unlocking.
The problem is reportedly so widespread that Apple’s support representatives are acknowledging it in conversations with affected users. That’s more concerning than it sounds, since the company has been reluctant to confirm issues as widespread. In one case, a user was offered a return. But the cause of the issue is unclear. Apple adopted an upgraded antenna system for the iPhone 17 lineup, along with a brand new first-party wireless networking chip. Meanwhile, iOS 26 is a total visual overhaul for the iPhone’s interface, and bugs are bound to accompany that level of change. Here’s what we know so far about the iPhone 17’s most annoying issue.
iPhone antennagate is back, and no, you’re not holding it wrong
Apple is no stranger to iPhone issues, especially with connectivity problems. Way back in 2010, the iPhone 4 was famously beset by similar frustrations, with the phones suffering a signal drop while holding the phone. The debacle was dubbed Antennagate, and it concluded with a quote from CEO Steve Jobs that haunted Apple for years: “Just avoid holding it that way.” The characteristically terse response enraged customers, and Apple ended up shipping free bumper cases to those affected to alleviate the issue until a software fix could be pushed.
This time, the cause of connection woes on the iPhone 17 family is unknown, but software is the likely culprit. The new iPhone 17 Pro uses an almost entirely unibody aluminum design, which could impede wireless signal, but problems also are occurring on the vastly different iPhone Air and base model iPhone 17. It’s unlikely to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem either, since the Galaxy S25 series uses the same module and has not been reported to experience these bugs. The new Apple N1 wireless chip, the first of its kind from Apple, is a possible pain point that shouldn’t be ruled out. However, Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.1 update is already in beta, and it solved these problems for at least one user who installed it.
Software from Apple was once considered the crème de la crème, and users found truth in the marketing slogan, “It just works.” However, bugs have been piling up in iOS over the past couple of years, leading to a slew of user complaints. iOS 26 has not been immune, so these connection issues are unfortunately not surprising.
What to do if your iPhone 17 has connection issues
If you’re one of the affected iPhone 17 owners dealing with frustrating connection issues, there are reasons to remain calm. First, you can try rebooting the device. It hasn’t worked for some users, but it’s worth a shot. You can try resetting your iPhone as a last resort, but you’ll lose any files and data not backed up in iCloud or elsewhere. However, the best move might be to wait for the next Apple software update. The first update after a major release is often focused on bug bashing. As mentioned above, the iOS 26.1 beta has cured connection headaches for at least one user.
If software fails to fix these flummoxing failures, iPhone users should contact Apple support, either in person at an Apple Store. If the company is indeed aware and acknowledging of these problems, it should be relatively easy to get a resolution through those channels. Here’s hoping Apple can get this sorted sooner than later, since the iPhone 17 lineup has otherwise been a breath of fresh air after years of relatively boring releases. The iPhone 17 Pro Max stole the show with its innovative design, screaming fast A19 Pro processor, and upgraded camera array. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air traded battery for a slim body, providing an eye-catching option for those who prioritize form over function.
