Apple in iOS 27 introduced iPhone Handoff, a new eSIM feature that allows you to use the same number on two iPhones and smoothly swap between them. The number is only active on one iPhone at a time, so it’s not like having two independently active lines. It’s also different from Apple’s existing Handoff feature for continuing an app task on another Apple device.
Here’s what you need to know about the new iPhone Handoff feature. What Moves Between the Two iPhones. When you switch phones with iPhone Handoff, your calls, voicemail, messages (including iMessage, RCS, SMS, and MMS) and Find My location move to the active iPhone.
You’ll see a "Switched to this iPhone" message on the screen to confirm the change. Other data synced with iCloud will automatically update across your devices, and third-party apps work across both devices, though some third-party apps may require a separate sign-in or take time to sync. Any banking apps you use may also ask you to approve access on the other device.
IPhone Handoff is a new feature in the recently released iOS 27 which lets you use one phone number on two separate iPhones (not at the same time, but still). Over in the US, T-Mobile jumped at the opportunity to be the first carrier to support the feature, and it’s priced it at $5 per month.
In the meantime, Verizon has confirmed that it will be bringing iPhone Handoff to its customers by the end of the year. That leaves AT&T as the only holdout, and this is intentional.
This carrier doesn’t seem at all interested in providing the feature to its customers. Here’s what an AT&T…
This US carrier doesn’t want to let you use one phone number on two iPhones. Here’s what an AT&T spokesperson told CNET about the situation: While we see that there could be potential in capabilities like iPhone Handoff, our focus remains on delivering innovations that make life simpler and keep customers connected with confidence.
They then pointed out that there are eSIM "activation and transfer options across compatible devices" already, which is a fair point since all iPhone Handoff seems to do is make the process of switching your eSIM between two devices more smooth. Anyway, if you’re an AT&T customer and have been patiently waiting for iPhone Handoff to reach your carrier, this isn’t great news.
What Do You Need for iPhone Handoff. Both iPhones must be running iOS 27 or later.
They’ll also need to be: Connected to Wi-Fi Sharing the same Apple Account Using Messages in iCloud for messages sync Signed into FaceTime and iMessage with the same Apple Account iPhone Handoff works with Dual SIM as long as both eSIMs are from carriers that support iPhone Handoff. Both eSIMs must be set up for iPhone Handoff separately, one at a time.
Once set up, both eSIMs switch together simultaneously when you unlock your iPhone. Which Carriers Support iPhone Handoff.
IPhone Handoff is available through T-Mobile in the United States and Telekom in Germany. Verizon (U.S.) and EE (U.K.) will support iPhone Handoff later this year.
AT&T has so far not committed to supporting iPhone Handoff, with a company spokesperson recently pointing to the carrier’s existing eSIM activation and transfer options instead. How Much Does iPhone Handoff Cost.
T-Mobile is charging customers $5 per month to use iPhone Handoff. In Germany, Deutsche Telekom is charging €6.95 per month for iPhone Handoff, but only on plans that do not already include multi-SIM functionality.
