Apple’s newest iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air users are reporting a charging hiccup that kicks in only when the device is completely dead. After plugging in a USB‑C cable seconds after shutdown, the phone refuses to power on and the familiar red battery icon never appears.

The problem surfaced on Reddit and iFixit Answers, and a handful of users claim the standard iPhone 17 is affected as well. Apple has not yet issued a statement, and the glitch persists through the latest iOS 26.4.1 and 26.4.2 updates.

One user recovered his phone by placing it on a MagSafe charger and waiting 10–15 minutes, while another’s Anker battery pack worked after a similar delay. The issue appears sporadic and limited to phones that have run out of charge entirely.

Until Apple releases a firmware fix, owners of the latest models should keep an eye on outlet compatibility and consider using MagSafe or a reliable external pack when low on power.