When an iPhone operating on iOS 16 displays only “SOS” in the status bar, it indicates that the device is unable to connect to the user’s cellular network but can still attempt emergency calls. This situation arises when the iPhone cannot access the registered mobile network, either due to network unavailability, SIM card issues, or software malfunctions.
Understanding the implications of such a state is crucial, as it directly affects communication capabilities. In emergency scenarios, the ability to contact emergency services remains; however, standard calling, texting, and data usage are disrupted until network connectivity is restored. Identifying potential causes, ranging from simple user errors like Airplane Mode being enabled to more complex software errors introduced during iOS 16 updates, is the first step toward resolving the issue.