Apple has released iOS 10.0.3 and it comes with a single major promise. Unfortunately, however, increasing reports argue that it doesn’t deliver…
Information about iOS 10.0.3 is thin on the ground. There are no detailed release notes and there is no information on the security content whatsoever. In fact all we have to go on is the vague description: “iOS 10.0.3 fixes bugs including an issue where some users could temporarily lose cellular connectivity” and that the update is only available on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
The problem is in reality “some users” also includes owners of the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone SE. It also applies to multiple carriers including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile in the US, while users have been hit in many countries such as the UK and China.
Insufficient Fix
Consequently what users on MacRumors’ famously diligent forums are finding is the scope of the fix in iOS 10.0.3 is far too narrow. Aside from only being available to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, it only makes improvements for Verizon customers.
Notably the forum thread identifies iOS 10.0.3 as merely upgrading iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus modem firmware from 1.00.04 to 1.00.05 if your device is registered on Verizon. There are no changes to modem firmware for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint and carrier firmware across every carrier remains unchanged.
This suggests Apple believes the issue lies with the Qualcomm modem used in iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus phones sold on Verizon. By contrast iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models sold by other carriers use a new Intel modem which is not compatible with Verizon (important if you consider changing networks).
The Good News
Consequently iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users on Verizon are consistently reporting iOS 10.0.3 fixes their problems:
“My speeds have tripled I now get 50MB down and 10MB+ up. Was no where close to that pre update” proclaims Verizon customer and forum member Zaned303
“I noticed that the phones (2 7+'s) now stay on VZW Wi-Fi while in the house. Before it was a crap shoot…” agreed VARTV.
“I've got the 7+ 256GB on the Verizon network. It appears that 10.0.3 has solved my very frustrating phone call issues. I've had about a dozen calls since doing the upgrade and so far so good. My phone will have a lot of use tomorrow, so I feel that will be a better test,” says a cautiously optimistic EW800.
The Bad News
Predictably iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus owners on other networks are not so happy:
“The fix isn't working with my 7 plus on T-mobile. I keep getting a "Could not connect to cellular network" error. I have gone through the troubleshooting process with a rep, and they have a trouble ticket for the network in my area. I thought this fix would do the trick but it has not,” bemoaned forum member ios83.
“Did not fix my iPhone 7plus "no service" issues on at&t. Very frustrated. Genius's said it was known issue and to wait for an update. This was not it,” agreed wheatridge
“Went out today and noticed that the phone still does not connect to 4G automatically despite being in an area with a strong 4G presence. Disappointing,” said forum member Sparky2012, who has previously stated being a Three customer in the UK.
Forum members decson and jabingla2810 also confirmed their ongoing problems on rival UK carrier O2 after installing iOS 10.0.3.
And of course older hardware is also ignored: “In the Netherlands, carrier is KPN. I also have/had 4G dropouts, where the signal goes back to 3G much more often than I remember on my old 6. We're supposed to have more than 90% coverage here in this flat country,” said Loekf.
“That really sucks cause iPhone 6 is having similar issues with network connectivity. Don't know why they didn't consider us,” responded Relentless Power.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have removed the antenna bands from the back, but both have been hit... [+]
The Long Term Fix
Some users are reporting a short term workaround by toggling Voice & Data LTE support to just Data LTE, but the longer term fix is likely to come in iOS 10.1.
I can confirm from my own iPhone 7 that the iOS 10.1 beta software appears to have a more substantial modem firmware fix, taking it from 1.00.05 to 1.01.13. It also shifts carrier firmware from 25.x to 26.0.
Personally I haven’t been affected by the connectivity issues (UK user on Three), but anyone suffering badly with it may consequently find a workaround by installing the latest iOS 10.1 beta by signing up to the Apple Beta Program. Beta software has its own problems, but iOS 10.1 is now in its fourth release and has proved stable for me.
Until then we can only hope Apple is going to recognise that these cellular problems are not merely limited to its latest iPhones and customers on Verizon...
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