iOS 27 iPhone Handoff: same number on two iPhones — how it works, $5/€6.95 pricing, carriers

Apple introduced iPhone Handoff with iOS 27: an eSIM feature that lets you put the same phone number on two iPhones, with the line active on only one device at a time. MacRumors (Tim Hardwick, September 23, 2026) published a full explainer on how it works, what it costs, and which carriers support it.

This is not the older Continuity “Handoff” that continues an app task across Apple devices. It is also not two independently active lines — unlocking one phone moves the number to that phone.

What moves when you switch

Per MacRumors’ guide, when the number becomes active on the other iPhone, calls, voicemail, messages (iMessage, RCS, SMS, MMS) and Find My location follow. You’ll see a “Switched to this iPhone” confirmation. iCloud-synced data updates across both devices; some third-party and banking apps may need a separate sign-in or approval on the second phone.

Requirements

Both phones need iOS 27 or later, Wi-Fi, the same Apple Account, Messages in iCloud, and the same Apple Account signed into FaceTime and iMessage. Dual SIM works if both eSIMs are from carriers that support iPhone Handoff; each eSIM is set up separately, then both switch together when you unlock.

Carriers and pricing (as reported)

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Newsroom release said launch support is T-Mobile in the U.S. and Telekom in Germany. MacRumors adds:

• T-Mobile: $5/month for iPhone Handoff
• Deutsche Telekom (Germany): €6.95/month for an added multi-SIM when the plan does not already include multi-SIM (MagentaMobil L includes one; XL includes two)
• Verizon (U.S.) and EE (U.K.): expected later this year
• AT&T: has not committed; a spokesperson pointed to existing eSIM activation/transfer options instead

No other carrier pricing is announced yet. Availability and fees can still change — check your carrier.

How to set it up

MacRumors describes Apple’s flow:

1. During new-iPhone setup, at Set Up Cellular, choose Use Number on This iPhone and Another, then follow prompts on both phones.
2. Or on an already-set-up phone: Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular / Add eSIM → Use Number on This iPhone and Another.
3. Pick a main iPhone (the one you use most) and a secondary iPhone.
4. After setup, unlock either phone to make the number active on it.

Caveats before you rely on it

• Apple Watch does not re-pair when the number moves — pair the Watch with the iPhone you expect to use most.
• Some Wallet items (certain transit passes and IDs) may work on only one device at a time.
• Carrier account tools, Call Forwarding, and Caller ID stay tied to the main iPhone.
• To stop using iPhone Handoff, contact your carrier — deleting an eSIM alone may not stop billing.
• Replacing a phone: transfer the eSIM to the new device (or re-enroll if the carrier does not support transfer from a companion iPhone).

Bottom line: iPhone Handoff is live with iOS 27 for supported carriers, with clear early pricing on T-Mobile and Telekom and a still-fragmented U.S./global rollout — especially while AT&T stays noncommittal.

Sources: MacRumors — Tim Hardwick (Sept. 23, 2026); Apple Newsroom — iPhone 18 Pro (Sept. 9, 2026; footnote on launch carriers).