AT&T isn’t committing to support iPhone Handoff, leaving its customers unable to use one of iOS 27’s more unusual new features while T-Mobile and Verizon move ahead.
iPhone Handoff lets you use the same phone number on two iPhones at the same time, without transferring an eSIM whenever you switch devices.
T-Mobile already supports the feature, and Verizon plans to launch it later this year. AT&T, however, remained noncommittal, stating only that capabilities like iPhone Handoff “could be” useful while shifting focus to its current eSIM activation and transfer options.
The carrier instead pointed to its “existing eSIM activation and transfer options across compatible devices,” stopping short of saying whether it plans to support Apple’s new system.
Your second iPhone can’t share your AT&T number
Apple built iPhone Handoff into iOS 27, but carriers have to support it before you can actually use it.
That means installing iOS 27 isn’t enough if you’re on AT&T. There’s currently no option to share your existing AT&T number between two iPhones using Handoff, including the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo.
This difference matters more now that Apple sells two very different high-end iPhones.
You could carry an iPhone 18 Pro when you want its more capable camera system, for example, then switch to the larger folding screen of the iPhone Duo without moving your number between them. Calls, messages, and cellular service remain tied to the same number on both devices.
AT&T’s existing eSIM transfer tools can move service from one compatible iPhone to another, but that’s not the same thing. Handoff keeps both iPhones connected to the same number at the same time.
T-Mobile is charging $5 a month
T-Mobile launched iPhone Handoff alongside iOS 27 and charges $5 per month for the additional iPhone.
Deutsche Telekom also supports it, charging €6.95 per month for customers whose plans don’t already include multi-SIM service.
Verizon and EE in the UK have confirmed support is coming later this year, although neither has announced pricing yet.
That leaves AT&T as the notable holdout among the three major U.S. carriers. Its statement doesn’t rule out supporting iPhone Handoff later, but for now, customers who want to use one number across two iPhones don’t have that option.
