Apple issues AT&T carrier update for iPhone 18 Pro Max on iOS 27.2 beta

Apple has released a new carrier settings update for iPhone 18 Pro Max owners on AT&T who are running the iOS 27.2 beta. The update bumps the carrier bundle to version 72.0.3, up from 72.0.2.

As spotted by Aaron Perris on X, the update is an emergency release aimed at addressing a cellular issue that first surfaced in late September. Some iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T reported losing calls, texts, and cellular data, with their devices showing only "SOS" in the status bar.

9to5Mac reports that Apple confirmed last week that a small number of users were affected. That week's carrier settings update brought AT&T users on iOS 27.0 to version 72.1, while those on the 27.2 beta remained on the older 72.0.2. Tonight's release now brings the same fix to beta testers.

Apple said last Friday that the iOS 27.0.1 update and the carrier bundle were meant to prevent the problem from spreading to more devices. However, iPhones that had already lost service still require a hardware replacement.

The issue has only affected the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which uses a Qualcomm modem in the United States. The iPhone 18 Pro, which uses Apple's own C2 modem, has not been affected.

If you're on the iOS 27.2 beta and on AT&T, this update is worth installing. It won't fix a phone that's already dead in the water, but it should keep the rest of us from joining the SOS club.

• Apple
• AT&T
• carrier update
• cellular issue
• iOS 27.2 beta
• iPhone 18 Pro Max