Apple’s iPhone Handoff Feature Faces Limited Carrier Adoption in the U.S.

Apple introduced iPhone Handoff with iOS 27, letting a single cellular number operate on two iPhones. One device is set as primary for the eSIM number and the other as secondary; the number switches to whichever phone is unlocked. The feature works on any iOS 27-compatible iPhone, including the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and the iPhone Duo.

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Previously, Apple’s eSIM tools required manual number transfers. iPhone Handoff enables on-the-fly switching, aimed at users who carry a large-screen phone for media and a compact phone for everyday tasks. The feature launched with iOS 27 on September 14.

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• T-Mobile (U.S.) – Only U.S. carrier currently offering iPhone Handoff, $5 per-month add-on.

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• Deutsche Telekom (Germany) – €6.95 per month on plans without built-in multi-SIM support.

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• Verizon (U.S.) – Plans to add support by year-end.

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• EE (U.K.) – Also slated for year-end support.

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• AT&T (U.S.) – No announced timeline.

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Apple expects additional carriers to follow Verizon and EE’s rollout, with Germany’s Telekom serving as a launch partner abroad.

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• Pricing: $5 /month (T-Mobile) vs. €6.95 /month (Deutsche Telekom).

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• Compatibility: iOS 27 or later on both iPhones; works from iPhone 17 Pro to iPhone 18 Pro Max.

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• Adoption: As of late September 2026, only T-Mobile supports the feature in the United States; Verizon support is pending.

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• T-Mobile: Confirms the $5 monthly add-on and functionality on any iOS 27 iPhone.

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• Deutsche Telekom: Notes the €6.95 fee applies only to plans lacking multi-SIM capability.

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• Verizon and EE: Both indicate plans to enable iPhone Handoff before the calendar year ends.

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Testers in New York reported setup takes a few minutes via Settings -> Cellular -> iPhone Handoff. They observed seamless switching of cellular service, iCloud data, and apps, even when the phones were not adjacent. Minor issues included occasional failure of the secondary device to connect at home, resolved by a restart, and an incorrect carrier-side device name display that did not affect functionality.

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• AT&T’s Position: No definitive “no,” but no timeline, leaving uncertainty for its customers.

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• Future Carrier Support: Verizon and EE have not disclosed specific dates; it is unclear when other U.S. carriers will adopt the feature.

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• Verizon and EE are expected to enable iPhone Handoff by year-end, expanding U.S. and U.K. availability.

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• AT&T remains without a near-term schedule, keeping its subscribers without the feature.

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