American telecom giant AT&T confirmed it has no immediate plans to adopt Apple’s new iPhone Handoff feature introduced in iOS 27. The tool lets users share a single phone number across two separate iPhones, allowing the cellular connection to switch automatically to whichever handset the user unlocks. In a statement shared with CNET, an AT&T spokesperson said that while the carrier sees potential in the tool, its attention stays on existing eSIM activation and device transfer options.
Key Takeaways
- AT&T declined immediate adoption of the new iPhone Handoff capability introduced in Apple’s iOS 27 update.
- Competitor T-Mobile already supports the feature for $5 per month, while Verizon and the UK’s EE plan to roll it out later this year.
- AT&T instead advises users to rely on manual eSIM transfers between devices.
- The functionality requires two devices running iOS 27, shared Apple Account credentials, and active network carrier cooperation.
Carrier Split Over Dual-Phone Use
Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, introducing iPhone Handoff as an answer for users who switch between two handsets, such as a compact device for workouts and a larger model for work. When both phones sign into the same Apple Account and share Wi-Fi and iCloud credentials, unlocking one automatically directs calls and cellular data to that phone.
Network implementation requires direct carrier involvement on the backend. T-Mobile quickly embraced the feature in the United States, offering it as an add-on for $5 per month. Deutsche Telekom took a similar route in Germany, charging €6.95 monthly on select tiers. Apple also listed Verizon in the United States and EE in the United Kingdom as partners scheduled to add access before the end of the year.
AT&T remains the sole major US operator without a launch timeline. By urging customers to use manual eSIM management, AT&T sidesteps network upgrades needed to route one cellular line across two active IMEI chips on demand. Manual eSIM transfers remain free, but the swap process takes time and deactivates the previous device completely.
What This Means for Global
While the announcement directly impacts US subscribers, it highlights a familiar pattern for international smartphone owners. Indian carriers Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio often take a cautious approach to niche Apple network tools. Neither Indian operator has announced support for iOS 27 iPhone Handoff yet. For now, users juggling two iPhones on AT&T or Indian networks must continue to swap eSIM profiles manually through the iOS Cellular settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the iPhone Handoff feature in iOS 27?
A1. It is an Apple software capability that lets you use one phone number across two iPhones. When you unlock either device, incoming calls, text messages, and cellular data automatically switch to that phone.
Q2. Why is AT&T not supporting iPhone Handoff?
A2. AT&T stated it is focusing on its current eSIM activation and device transfer tools rather than building out support for Apple’s automatic switching tool.
Q3. Which carriers currently support the feature?
A3. T-Mobile in the United States and Deutsche Telekom in Germany support it. Verizon and EE will add support later this year.
Q4. How much does iPhone Handoff cost to use?
A4. The cost depends on the carrier. T-Mobile charges $5 each month in the US, while Deutsche Telekom charges €6.95 per month in Germany.
