Apple is adding a new iPhone Handoff feature in iOS 27 that will let you use the same number on two iPhones and swap between them as needed. iPhone Handoff requires carrier support, and Apple says there will be carrier fees when setting it up.
The new iPhone Handoff option was mentioned at today's event and in the iPhone Duo press release, and it turns out it's going to be limited at launch. Apple says it will only be available on T-Mobile in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom in Germany when iOS 27 comes out.
To use iPhone Handoff, you need two iPhones running iOS 27 or later that are connected to Wi-Fi and signed into the same Apple account with FaceTime, iMessage, and Messages in iCloud turned on.
iPhone Handoff can be enabled during new iPhone setup, or in the Settings app. When you set up a new iPhone, you can make your current iPhone your secondary iPhone.
With iPhone Handoff enabled, one iPhone is the main iPhone and the other iPhone is the secondary iPhone that shares the same number. Some carrier services like Call Forwarding, Caller ID, and account management can only be managed on the main iPhone. iPhone Handoff also does not swap your Apple Watch from one iPhone to another.
Moving between a main iPhone and secondary iPhone happens automatically when you unlock one of the devices. Apple says your phone number will automatically become active, and you'll see the message "Switched to this iPhone" to confirm.
A phone number can only be active on one iPhone at a time when using iPhone Handoff. Payment cards in the Wallet app and car keys can work across both iPhones, but Apple warns some Wallet items like transit passes, IDs, or corporate badges might only work on one iPhone at a time.
iPhone Handoff works with Dual SIM as long as both eSIMs are from carriers that support iPhone Handoff. Both eSIMs will switch together simultaneously when you unlock your iPhone. Each eSIM has to be set up separately.
Once set up, iPhone Handoff remains activated until you contact your carrier to turn it off. More information can be found in Apple's support document for the feature.
iOS 27 is set to launch on Monday, September 14. T-Mobile plans to charge $5 for the feature.
