iOS 27's 'iPhone Handoff' Feature Limited to T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom at Launch

Apple is adding a new iPhone Handoff feature in iOS 27 that will allow you to use the same phone number on two iPhones and seamlessly switch between them as needed. However, this feature will only be available at launch on T-Mobile in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom in Germany. To utilize iPhone Handoff, you'll need two iPhones running iOS 27 or later, connected to Wi-Fi and signed into the same Apple account with FaceTime, iMessage, and Messages in iCloud turned on.

During the initial setup of a new iPhone, you have the option to designate your current iPhone as the secondary iPhone. When iPhone Handoff is enabled, one iPhone becomes the main device while the other serves as the secondary device sharing the same number. Certain carrier services, such as Call Forwarding, Caller ID, and account management, are limited to the main iPhone. iPhone Handoff does not enable the automatic swapping of your Apple Watch between the two devices.

Upon unlocking one of the iPhones, the phone number becomes active automatically, and you'll receive a confirmation message. If you wish to use payment cards in the Wallet app or car keys across both iPhones, be aware that some Wallet items might only function on one iPhone at a time. iPhone Handoff is compatible with Dual SIM arrangements, provided both eSIMs are supported by carriers offering this feature.

Both eSIMs will activate and deactivate simultaneously when you unlock your iPhone, with each eSIM requiring separate setup. Once activated, iPhone Handoff remains active until you reach out to your carrier to disable it. For further details, refer to Apple's support document pertaining to the feature. iOS 27 is scheduled for release on Monday, September 14.