iOS 27 Introduces “iPhone Handoff” for Seamless Phone Switching

Apple’s upcoming iOS 27, expected later this month, will include “iPhone Handoff,” a capability that lets users pair two iPhones that share the same phone number. The Verge reported that the feature was first hinted at during the June WWDC keynote and is now demonstrated in Xcode 27’s Device Hub. One device acts as the primary phone while the other serves as a “companion,” enabling users to move active sessions between the two.

The Verge

According to the demo, users set up the pairing through the Device Hub, after which calls, messages, and app activity can be transferred instantly. The system treats the secondary iPhone as an extension of the primary, preserving the phone number and carrier profile. The Verge noted that the feature could be useful for people who own a newer, higher-priced model alongside an older or less expensive device.

The Verge

The Verge suggested that “iPhone Handoff” may appeal to owners of the forthcoming foldable iPhone Ultra, who might prefer to keep the bulkier device at home and switch to a smaller, cheaper phone for everyday outings. It could also extend the life of older iPhones—such as a cracked iPhone 13—by allowing them to function as temporary companions rather than being discarded.

The Verge

The Verge identified references to T-Mobile US and Telekom.de within the feature’s code, indicating that carrier cooperation is required. However, the article emphasized that broader carrier support beyond those two providers remains unknown, leaving the rollout’s reach uncertain.

The Verge

If carrier integration is secured, “iPhone Handoff” could reshape how users manage multiple iPhone models, offering flexibility without sacrificing a single phone number. The feature’s success will hinge on whether major carriers adopt the necessary protocols before iOS 27’s public release later this month.

The Verge