iPhone XR Users Experiencing Difficulties on UK's O2 Network

The iPhone XR is not properly functioning on the O2 network in the UK, according to the BBC. Based on multiple reports on Twitter, XR users who have O2 as a mobile provider have been experiencing multiple signal outages per day.

Customers have been unable to make and receive calls and send and receive text messages, as well as maintain a reliable LTE connection for using apps.

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An O2 spokesperson told the BBC that it is working closely with partners to resolve "an intermittent issue affecting some of our customers using ‌iPhone‌ XR." O2 did not clarify how many customers are affected, but said that turning the ‌iPhone‌ off and on again can temporarily fix the issue.

According to one customer with an affected device, he was told by an O2 customer service representative that Apple caused the issue with a recent iOS update, though that information has not been confirmed. He was given a free month's line rental as compensation.

A MacRumors reader who is experiencing issues with the ‌iPhone‌ XR was able to receive a free upgrade to the ‌iPhone‌ 11 plus a £20 refund due to the signal issues.

Apple told him there was indeed a problem and that under consumer law in the UK, the handset had to be replaced regardless of warranty. There have been no other reports of free ‌iPhone‌ upgrades, but other ‌iPhone‌ XR owners who are experiencing issues on O2 may want to contact Apple support to see what can be done.

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Top Rated Comments

coolfactor Avatar
72 months ago

Yep, try to put a positive spin on yet another Apple screwup....
Apple screwup? So, by comparison, you never make any mistakes? You are perfect? Got it.

Apple has an immense task of supporting multiple hardware configurations across multiple generations on a multitude of networks around the world. The fact that we don't hear more reports like this just shows you how _well_ they are doing!

Most consumers today don't appreciate just how complex and advanced their little devices are.


Why is this issue specific to O2? A particular band being used more than others which is junk with the Intel radio or something?
There are standards, but each player in the industry may not be following them exactly. Each provider tries to add their own value, which only makes the job of remaining perfectly compatible harder for handset makers. It's a complex maze to navigate, and my hats off to Apple for doing as well as they have.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robjulo Avatar
72 months ago
I'm sure you are an expert in European consumer law, just as you are with every other facet of Apple products, ie marketing, engineering, HR, IP law, design, consumer sales and app design among others.


A temporary software glitch is not grounds for a hardware replacement under consumer law. It's just Apple going above and beyond to make their loyal customers happy.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
David1964 Avatar
72 months ago
Nice to see a story on here from the UK ?? for once.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dumastudetto Avatar
72 months ago
A temporary software glitch is not grounds for a hardware replacement under consumer law. It's just Apple going above and beyond to make their loyal customers happy.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macgician Avatar
72 months ago
All 2018 release iPhones must be replaced due to antenna gate.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Expos of 1969 Avatar
72 months ago

A temporary software glitch is not grounds for a hardware replacement under consumer law. It's just Apple going above and beyond to make their loyal customers happy.
Yep, try to put a positive spin on yet another Apple screwup....
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)