T-Mobile to Charge $5 a Month for iOS 27 iPhone Handoff

T-Mobile plans to charge customers $5 monthly for using iPhone Handoff, a feature that leverages eSIM technology to permit the same phone number to operate on two distinct iPhones. This functionality, which necessitates carrier backing, will initially be accessible to T-Mobile users in the United States and Deutsche Telekom subscribers in Germany.

T-Mobile asserts users can synchronize their number across two compatible iPhone models and designate which device assumes control at any given moment. Referred to as iPhone Handoff, this feature extends to calls, texts, data, mobile hotspot, Scam Shield, and T-Satellite services on both devices with an appropriate plan. Apple is set to introduce iPhone Handoff compatibility in iOS 27.

This requires two iPhones operating iOS 27 or later, linked to Wi-Fi and signed into the same Apple Account, with FaceTime, iMessage, and Messages in iCloud enabled. The feature can be activated during the setup of a new iPhone or within the Settings application. Once activated, one iPhone acts as the primary device, while the other functions as the secondary device, sharing the same number.

Automatic transitions between the primary and secondary iPhone occur upon unlocking either device. A phone number can only be active on a single iPhone concurrently when utilizing iPhone Handoff. Payment cards stored in the Wallet app and car keys can function across both iPhones; however, Apple cautions that certain Wallet elements, such as transit passes, IDs, or corporate badges, may only be usable on one device at a time. iPhone Handoff does not transfer an Apple Watch from one iPhone to another.

The feature is compatible with Dual SIM setups, provided both eSIMs are supported by carriers that offer iPhone Handoff. Both eSIMs must be configured individually. Once configured, iPhone Handoff remains active until the carrier is contacted to disable it. Additional details can be found in Apple's support documentation for the feature. iOS 27 is scheduled for release on September 14, 2023, with the debut of the new iPhone 18 Pro models on September 18, 2023.