Apple is introducing a new iPhone Handoff feature with iOS 27. The feature will let users switch between two iPhones.
Most importantly, users can keep the same phone number active on either device. Therefore, switching phones will no longer require manually transferring the primary eSIM.
Apple briefly mentioned iPhone Handoff during its WWDC 2026 keynote in June. However, the company did not explain how the feature would work at the time.
The feature appeared on a slide highlighting hundreds of changes coming with iOS 27. It was also listed alongside other software updates.
How iPhone Handoff Will Work
Users will be able to set up iPhone Handoff through Settings > Cellular. During setup, Apple will allow users to designate two devices.
One iPhone will become the main device. The other will serve as the companion device.
The user’s primary eSIM will remain on the main iPhone. Meanwhile, the companion iPhone will receive a separate companion eSIM.
This setup will allow the same phone number to switch between the two devices. As a result, users can move between iPhones more conveniently.
Apple will manage cellular settings through the main iPhone. Location sharing will also follow the iPhone currently being used with the phone number.
This means users will not need to manually transfer their primary eSIM whenever they switch devices.
Carrier Support Will Be Essential
However, iPhone Handoff will not work without cellular carrier support. Users will need two iPhones running iOS 27 to use the feature.
Their cellular carrier must also support iPhone Handoff. Therefore, availability could vary depending on the carrier.
A MacRumors forum post suggests T-Mobile in the United States could support the feature early. Deutsche Telekom in Germany could also be among the first supported carriers.
However, Apple has not released a complete list of supported carriers. Consequently, the feature may not reach every iPhone user immediately.
iPhone Handoff Is Already in Beta
iPhone Handoff has been undergoing beta testing alongside iOS 27. The testing period has lasted roughly three months.
Apple is expected to release iOS 27 later this month. However, more details could emerge before the public rollout.
Apple is likely to clarify supported carriers and device requirements as the release approaches. Therefore, users may soon have a clearer picture of how iPhone Handoff will work.
For users with two iPhones, the feature could make switching between devices much simpler. Most importantly, the same phone number can move between the two devices without repeatedly transferring the primary eSIM.
