Apple's new ability to have one phone number and switch between two iPhones is spreading to more carriers, but AT&T doesn't seem to care.

It was actually Cingular who was the only carrier Steve Jobs could get to take the iPhone, and also surrender the control carriers had back around 2007. But AT&T bought Cingular before the iPhone launch and so was the exclusive carrier for the device that revolutionized cellphones.

Skip forward twenty years and AT&T has not learned that backing an Apple idea is a good bet. With iOS 27, Apple has added iPhone Handoff, allowing users to own two iPhones with the same number.

"While we see that there could be potential in capabilities like iPhone Handoff," a spokesperson for AT&T told CNET, "[but] our focus remains on delivering innovations that make life simpler and keep customers connected with confidence."

The spokesperson then reportedly tried talking up "existing eSIM activation and transfer options across compatible devices." So anytime you want to leave your iPhone Air behind and take the iPhone 18 Pro Max on a photography shoot, you could go through that rigmarole.

Whereas with iPhone Handoff, you'll be able to just pick up the phone you want. There will be some initial setup, but after that, whichever phone you unlock will be the one that takes calls.

All of which is typical of Apple design, making something complex incredibly simple. It's also typical of Apple figuring out a way to enable people to buy more iPhones.

What it's not typical of is carriers who would previously have hoped to sell two separate contracts. To assuage whatever loss this feature brings, though, carriers who support it will charge for the privilege.

Apple announced at WWDC 2026 that T-Mobile in the US and Telekom in Germany will support the feature. CNET now adds that the UK's EE network will support iPhone Handoff later in 2026, and that Verizon has confirmed it will follow in the States.

T-Mobile is currently charging $5 per month for the feature. Deutsche Telekom does not charge a separate fee per se, but customers have to be on a multi-SIM add-on that costs around $8/month.