iOS 27 brought Apple’s iPhone Handoff feature to market on September 14, 2026, letting users run one phone number across two iPhones. Nine days later, AT&T responded to questions about the feature with a statement that announced nothing.
An AT&T spokesperson told CNET the company sees “potential” in capabilities like iPhone Handoff but remains focused on “existing eSIM activation and transfer options across compatible devices,” according to 9to5Mac. That is not a rejection, but it is also not a launch date, a pricing plan, or a testing program.
What iPhone Handoff Actually Does
iPhone Handoff lets you use a single phone number on two iPhones and switch between them by unlocking the device you want to use.
Setup runs through Settings, then Cellular, then Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. Before your carrier can activate anything, your devices need to meet Apple’s requirements, according to Apple’s support documentation:
- Both iPhones must run iOS 27 or later
- Both must be signed into the same Apple Account
- iMessage and FaceTime must be enabled
- Messages in iCloud must be turned on
Updating to iOS 27 alone does not activate Handoff. Carrier infrastructure has to support it on the backend, and confirmed support remains limited to a small number of carriers.
Who Supports It and What It Costs
The feature is live on T-Mobile in the United States and Deutsche Telekom in Germany, with Verizon and EE expected to follow later in 2026, according to MacRumors.
T-Mobile is offering iPhone Handoff as a $5 monthly add-on, according to 9to5Mac. Deutsche Telekom packages the capability inside its existing MultiSIM service, which costs 6.95 euros per month when it is not already included in a customer’s plan. Apple’s support documentation notes that carrier fees may apply and directs users to their carrier for specifics.
Verizon and EE were identified by MacRumors as carriers expected to add support before the end of 2026. Neither has confirmed a launch date or pricing structure as of this reporting.
AT&T’s Position
AT&T acknowledged iPhone Handoff but offered no commitment, timeline, or pricing as of September 23, 2026.
The company’s reference to existing eSIM tools is worth clarifying. Standard eSIM transfer moves cellular service from one iPhone to another. When that transfer completes, the first device loses its cellular connection.
iPhone Handoff works differently. The number is configured on both iPhones, but only one is active on the network at a time. Unlocking the other iPhone makes it active. Apple documents Handoff as a separate carrier-supported capability, not an extension of conventional eSIM transfer.
What AT&T Customers Should Do Now
As of September 23, 2026, no confirmed Handoff option exists for AT&T subscribers, though existing eSIM transfer tools remain available.
If you are on AT&T and want two iPhones connected to one number, the feature is not available at a confirmed price or date. AT&T’s existing eSIM transfer process remains your current option, though it requires switching service between devices rather than keeping both configured and ready.
Verizon’s expected support later in 2026 could increase competitive pressure on AT&T, but no timetable has been confirmed for either carrier. Monitor AT&T’s newsroom and your carrier settings for a formal announcement before planning any two-iPhone setup around this feature. For those managing multiple devices day-to-day, reviewing Smartphone Charging Tips can also help keep both iPhones ready when you need them.
