iOS 27 iPhone Handoff Feature Lets One Number Work Across Two iPhones

Apple is preparing a useful new feature for people who regularly use two iPhones. Called iPhone Handoff, the feature coming with iOS 27 is designed to let the same mobile number work across two separate iPhones.

The feature could be particularly convenient for users who keep a second iPhone for travel, outdoor activities or situations where they do not want to carry their primary device. Instead of maintaining separate numbers, supported users will be able to switch their existing number between the two devices.

According to the details that have surfaced through demonstrations, iPhone Handoff will be configured from the Cellular section of the iPhone settings. During setup, users will need to identify one device as the main iPhone and the other as the companion iPhone.

The main iPhone will continue to hold the users primary eSIM. The companion device will receive a companion eSIM, allowing the same phone number to be associated with both devices. Users can then switch which iPhone actively uses the number when needed.

This approach means users will not have to physically move a SIM card between their phones every time they want to change devices. The mobile network settings will continue to be controlled through the main iPhone.

Location sharing will also work differently depending on which device is currently active with the phone number. If a user has already shared their location with another person, the location shown will correspond to the iPhone that is actively using the number at that time.

The feature could make sense for people who own both a newer and an older iPhone. A user might keep the newer model as their everyday phone and take the older device when travelling or visiting places where there is a greater chance of accidental damage or loss.

However, iPhone Handoff will not simply work by placing two iPhones next to each other. Both devices will need to support iOS 27, and the mobile carrier must also provide the necessary service support.

Carrier compatibility is therefore likely to be one of the biggest factors determining how widely the feature can be used. T Mobile in the United States and Deutsche Telekom in Germany have been identified among carriers supporting the feature. Apple has not yet provided details about which Indian telecom operators will support iPhone Handoff.

Apple briefly mentioned the feature during WWDC 2026, although the company did not initially provide extensive information about how it would operate. More recent demonstrations have provided a clearer picture of the setup and switching process.

The feature is expected to arrive as part of iOS 27 following the operating systems beta testing period. Apple is expected to release the stable version in September 2026, although availability and carrier support can vary by region.

For people who own two iPhones, the addition could remove one of the most inconvenient parts of maintaining two devices. Instead of treating the second phone as a completely separate handset, iPhone Handoff could allow it to work as a companion device while keeping the users primary mobile number connected.

The final experience will depend on carrier compatibility and Apples implementation in the public release. Indian users will need to wait for confirmation from local telecom operators before knowing whether the feature will be available with their existing mobile connections.