iPhone Handoff in iOS 27: How It Works, Pricing, and Carrier Support

Apple has unveiled a new iPhone feature in iOS 27 called iPhone Handoff. This feature allows users to share the same phone number across two iPhones, enabling seamless handover of calls, messages, voicemail, and location between the devices. However, only one device can be the active iPhone at a time, and the number cannot be active on both simultaneously.

Unlike Apple's existing Handoff feature, iPhone Handoff is not about transferring an ongoing task to another Apple device. Here's what you need to know about this new functionality.

When you switch to the second iPhone using iPhone Handoff, various data associated with the phone number will transfer to the active device. This includes all calls, voicemails, messages (including iMessage, RCS, SMS, and MMS), and location tracked by Find My. Other data synced with iCloud will automatically update across both devices.

Additionally, third-party apps will work across both iPhones, although some may require separate sign-in or syncing time. Some banking apps might prompt you to approve access on the secondary device.

For iPhone Handoff to function, both iPhones must be running iOS 27 or later. They also need to be connected to Wi-Fi, share the same Apple ID, be signed into Messages in iCloud and FaceTime/iMessage with the same Apple ID, and support Dual SIM using eSIMs from carriers that back iPhone Handoff. Both eSIMs must be set up individually for iPhone Handoff. Once enabled, both eSIMs switch together when you unlock the iPhone.

Currently, iPhone Handoff is only available through T-Mobile in the United States and Telekom in Germany. Verizon (U.S.) and EE (U.K.) will support the feature later this year. AT&T has not committed to iPhone Handoff support yet. T-Mobile charges customers $5 per month for the feature, while Deutsche Telekom charges €6.95 per month in Germany, but only on plans that don't already include multi-SIM functionality. No other carriers have announced pricing yet.

To set up iPhone Handoff, you can do so during the initial setup of a new iPhone. When prompted at the Set Up Cellular screen, choose to use one number on this iPhone and another. Follow the prompts on both devices to enable the feature. You'll need to designate one phone as the main iPhone and the other as the secondary device.

After setup, you can unlock either phone to activate the number. Keep in mind that Apple Watch won't switch its pairing when the phone number moves, so ensure you pair it with the iPhone you expect to use most. Some Wallet items may only work on one device at a time, and carrier account management or services like Call Forwarding and Caller ID will remain tied to the main iPhone.

If you wish to discontinue using iPhone Handoff, you must contact your carrier. Simply deleting an eSIM from an iPhone might not stop the carrier from charging you for the service. You can transfer the eSIM from a device using iPhone Handoff to a replacement device, following specific steps to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, if you decide to stop using iPhone Handoff, you'll need to reach out to your carrier, as simply removing the eSIM might not halt the charges.