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iOS 27 Introduces New 'iPhone Handoff' Feature

Apple has added a new "iPhone Handoff" feature to iOS 27 that will allow you to switch between two iPhones while using the same phone number on each device.

iPhone Handoff iOS 27 Feature
This functionality was briefly mentioned during the WWDC 2026 keynote in June, on a slide that listed hundreds of new features coming in iOS 27 and corresponding software updates, but Apple never shared any further details at the time.

MacRumors forum member pdfu today shared a video that demonstrates how the feature will work, using two simulated iPhones running in Xcode 27's Device Hub.

"iPhone Handoff" can be set up from the Settings app, under the Cellular menu. During the setup process, you can choose which iPhone you want to be the main device that you use most often and which one you want to be the companion device.

Apple says a user's main eSIM will remain on the main iPhone, while the companion iPhone will receive a companion eSIM, and this will enable you to switch between the devices back and forth while using the same phone number.

All cellular settings are managed on the main iPhone, and location sharing is based on whichever iPhone is actively using the phone number.

In addition to needing two iPhones running iOS 27, "iPhone Handoff" will seemingly require carrier support. The forum post mentions that T-Mobile in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom in Germany might be among the first carriers to offer the feature.

Following three months of beta testing, iOS 27 is expected to be released later this month, so we will likely hear more about this feature soon.

Related Roundups: iOS 27, iPadOS 27
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Top Rated Comments

8 weeks ago
Very useful feature, looking forward to it.

Use case: do not buy a second phone, but use your newest iPhone as normal, with all your apps, everything. Keep an older iPhone that is your knockaround phone: just phone number, music, maybe email. No passwords, banking, work apps. Very useful for a day at the beach, traveling, out for a run...
Score: 65 Votes (Like | Disagree)
8 weeks ago
They're clearly setting things up for you to actually buy two iPhones. Like a Pro & Air combo, or Pro & Fold.
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
8 weeks ago
Scenario: one phone with all the stuff I want secure and an older phone with only the basic needs for when I go to the bar or travel through US airports. If I lose or have to hand it over, good luck getting any info from it

Mikes63737 beat me to it just above because I'm a slow typer, lol
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Edgecrusherr Avatar
8 weeks ago
This is going to be life changing for cheating spouses and drug dealers.
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)
8 weeks ago
What’s the use case for this?

Buy two iPhones and make Apple more rich?
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zakarhino Avatar
8 weeks ago

What’s the use case for this?

Buy two iPhones and make Apple more rich?
I’m the use case sucker. I’ll be using both the 18 Pro Max and the Fold together. The Pro Max as my “camera” and durable phone, the Fold for everything else.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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