Apple's iOS 27 to introduce iPhone Handoff feature for dual-phone operation
A new feature arriving later this month will allow users to pair two iPhones and seamlessly share a single phone number between them.
What happened
Apple will release iPhone Handoff as part of iOS 27 later this month, enabling users to pair two iPhones where one serves as the primary device and the other as a companion device, with both sharing a single phone number. There is a demo of the setup process running in Xcode 27's Device Hub. The feature was briefly mentioned during WWDC in June without prior details. Implementation will require carrier support, with references to T-Mobile US and Telekom.de found in the code, though broader carrier support remains unknown.
Context
The timing aligns with the expected launch of a foldable iPhone Ultra, a premium device that users may not always want to carry due to its bulk and cost. Handoff would address this by allowing users to switch to a secondary, more portable device—such as an older model—for daily use while keeping their primary number active. This feature targets scenarios where users own multiple iPhones but want unified connectivity without maintaining separate numbers or switching devices to receive calls and messages.
What's disputed
The extent of carrier support beyond T-Mobile US and Telekom.de is unknown.