AT T Launches Carrier-Designed Children's Smartphone Built on Samsung Hardware

AT&T officially introduced the AT&T amiGO Jr. Phone on February 6, 2026, marking the first time a major United States wireless operator has launched a smartphone specifically engineered for younger users. This strategic product debut resulted from a collaboration between AT&T and Samsung, integrating robust Samsung hardware with AT&T's proprietary, safety-centric software layer.

The device is fundamentally based on the Samsung Galaxy A16 hardware, which typically features a 6.7-inch display and 128GB of internal storage, though the amiGO Jr. version operates on Android 16. The hardware specifications include the Galaxy A16's 6.7-inch screen and a primary 50-megapixel camera complemented by ultrawide and macro lenses. Furthermore, the casing carries an IP54 rating for resistance against dust and water ingress, a practical consideration for devices intended for children.

The pricing model is structured for adoption, requiring a $2.99 per month installment agreement over 36 months, contingent upon the customer maintaining a qualifying post-paid service line. This move extends AT&T's existing amiGO ecosystem, which already includes a children's tablet and a previous-generation watch, signaling a deeper commitment to the family safety segment. The central value proposition is the complimentary AT&T amiGO application, which grants parents comprehensive oversight from their own iOS or Android devices.

This application enables granular management of screentime, application usage, content access, and location sharing, alongside the ability to establish 'Schedules' to minimize digital distractions during critical times like school hours. This carrier-led approach positions AT&T as an active manager of digital experiences, contrasting with third-party solutions like Bark and Pinwheel. AT&T’s decision to partner with Samsung leverages an established, reliable platform, allowing the carrier to concentrate development resources on refining its software controls.

This strategy is supported by internal data suggesting significant market demand, with 70% of parents expressing a desire for children's phones to possess core safety features such as emergency calling capabilities and real-time location tracking. Concurrently, AT&T introduced the AT&T amiGO Jr. Watch 2, an upgraded wearable featuring enhanced durability, native messaging, and a rewards system, creating a more cohesive family ecosystem designed to foster long-term brand loyalty. This launch is a calculated maneuver by the third-largest wireless carrier to capture market share within the family segment, addressing the contemporary parental concern that a smartphone is a safety essential for children, a sentiment echoed by research indicating 60% of parents of children up to age 12 hold this view.

The low monthly device cost of $2.99 is positioned as a cost-saving alternative to purchasing the Samsung Galaxy A16 outright, which is valued around $200. Analysts monitoring AT&T stock, trading near $27.16 in pre-market activity on the day of the announcement, may now monitor adoption rates as a key performance indicator for this new venture.