Skip to Content

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.

iphonexrcolors1
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.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Released Seven New Products Today

Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:05 am PDT by
Starting today, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week are available at Apple Stores and beginning to arrive to customers. The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world starting today. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but...
iOS 27 Mock Quick

10+ New Features Coming in iOS 27

Friday March 13, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
We're only three months away from Apple's WWDC 2026 event, which will see the company unveil iOS 27. With the fully revamped version of Siri possibly delayed until September, iOS 27 is shaping up to be the update we wanted iOS 26 to be. There will be new Apple Intelligence features, updates for the iPhone Fold, and more, with the latest rumors summarized below. Foldable iPhone Features...
iOS 27 Mock Quick

iOS 27 Will Reportedly Be Like Mac OS X Snow Leopard

Sunday March 15, 2026 9:42 am PDT by
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that iOS 27 will be similar to 2009's Mac OS X Snow Leopard, in the sense that one of Apple's biggest priorities is bug fixes for improved performance and stability. At WWDC 2008, Apple showed a presentation that said Mac OS X Snow Leopard had "0 new features," as it opted to focus on performance and stability...

Top Rated Comments

81 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)
81 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
81 months ago
Nice to see a story on here from the UK 🇬🇧 for once.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dumastudetto Avatar
81 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
81 months ago
All 2018 release iPhones must be replaced due to antenna gate.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Expos of 1969 Avatar
81 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)