CALIFORNIA — Apple has released an emergency carrier update for iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T who are running the iOS 27.2 beta, after some devices experienced serious cellular connectivity problems.
The new carrier bundle, version 72.0.3, is intended to address issues that caused affected users to lose access to calls, text messages and mobile data, with some iPhones showing “SOS” in the status bar instead of normal network service.
The update specifically targets iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on the iOS 27.2 beta that had remained on carrier bundle version 72.0.2.
Apple Expands Fix to iOS 27.2 Beta Users
Apple had earlier released carrier update 72.1 for iPhone 18 Pro Max users on iOS 27.0, alongside iOS 27.0.1, in an effort to prevent the cellular problem from affecting additional devices.
Users testing iOS 27.2 beta, however, remained on the older carrier bundle until the latest 72.0.3 release.
The new update extends Apple’s recent AT&T network changes to those beta users.
Some Affected iPhones May Still Need Replacement
Apple has said the software and carrier updates are designed to prevent the issue from spreading to more devices.
However, iPhone 18 Pro Max units that have already lost cellular service may still require hardware replacement.
Reports of the problem began emerging in late September, with affected users unable to connect to the AT&T network for calls, texts and mobile data.
Issue Appears Limited to iPhone 18 Pro Max on AT&T
The cellular issue has so far been linked to the iPhone 18 Pro Max on AT&T in the United States.
The iPhone 18 Pro has not been affected by the same problem. The Pro model uses Apple’s C2 modem, while the US version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses a Qualcomm modem.
The underlying cause of the connectivity failure has not been publicly confirmed, so the difference in modem hardware should not be treated as proof of the cause.
For iPhone 18 Pro Max owners using the iOS 27.2 beta on AT&T, carrier bundle version 72.0.3 is now the relevant update.