Cupertino is preparing a solution to one of the most common complaints among owners of two iPhones — the need to constantly transfer the eSIM between devices. A new feature called iPhone Handoff, which Apple plans to introduce in iOS 27, will allow a single user to keep an active phone number on two smartphones simultaneously. According to preliminary reports, the official release of iOS 27 is expected as early as September 2026, making the launch of the technology a matter of weeks.
What Is iPhone Handoff and How It Works
iPhone Handoff is not cloning of the cellular profile and not the creation of two independent copies of a number. Essentially, the feature allows you to switch between two iPhones while keeping the same number active on both devices. At the same time, the primary smartphone continues to fully control the network settings: it is the device that determines connection parameters, roaming priorities, and basic eSIM settings. The second device gains access to the number in a "subordinate" connection mode, which eliminates conflicts at the carrier infrastructure level.
Dynamic Geolocation Instead of Constant Broadcasting
Apple paid special attention to privacy and the proper operation of services tied to geolocation. Instead of constantly broadcasting the location of the primary smartphone, the system implements dynamic geolocation distribution: the location is transmitted from whichever device is active at the given moment. This means that if the user switches to the second iPhone, navigation services, location-based push notifications, and safety features will rely on the current coordinates of that particular device.
Dependence on Mobile Carriers
The launch of iPhone Handoff depends not only on Apple's software. In addition to having two smartphones with iOS 27 installed, full functionality will require corresponding support from the mobile carrier. According to preliminary reports, the first to support the technology will be T-Mobile in the US and Deutsche Telekom in Germany. Apple's official list of partners will be announced later, so the availability of the tool at launch will vary significantly depending on the country and specific network. For users in other regions, including CIS countries, the timing of support may be considerably longer.
Timeline: From WWDC 2026 to Release
Interestingly, Apple briefly announced the possibility of using one number on multiple devices back at WWDC 2026 in June, but at the time this information got lost among hundreds of other iOS 27 announcements and did not receive sufficient media coverage. Now, closer to the official release of the system, the details of the feature have become more specific. In the coming weeks, as iOS 27 reaches users, it will become clear exactly which iPhone models and carriers will support iPhone Handoff at launch.
Limitations and What Is Known So Far
As of the time of writing, Apple has not published a complete list of compatible iPhone models, nor has it disclosed whether the feature will be available for all rate plans or only for certain eSIM packages. In addition, the question remains open as to whether calls can be received on both devices simultaneously, or whether the second iPhone will operate exclusively in a "mirror" mode with call forwarding. Official answers to these questions will likely appear alongside the iOS 27 release notes and press releases from partner carriers.
