Apple could make it easier for users who regularly carry two iPhones with a new iPhone Handoff feature in iOS 27. The feature will allow users to switch between two iPhones while keeping the same mobile number, removing the need to maintain separate numbers or manually move an eSIM between devices.
Apple briefly mentioned the feature during its WWDC 2026 keynote but did not provide detailed information about how it would work. A recent demonstration using simulated iPhones in Xcode 27 has now offered a closer look at the system.
It can be set up via the Cellular section in the iPhone’s Settings menu. The user can mark one of the iPhones as a primary one and another one as a companion device.
The primary iPhone will have a main eSIM, while the companion device will get an additional eSIM under the same phone number. The number would thus be able to switch from one iPhone to another without replacing a SIM or creating a new cell plan.
Apple, however, will continue managing the cellular data through the primary iPhone. Sharing locations is said to take place from the iPhone that has the shared number.
The feature will not depend only on software. Carrier support will be required before users can activate iPhone Handoff.
Reports indicate that T-Mobile in the US and Deutsche Telekom in Germany could be among the early carriers supporting the feature. However, Apple has not yet published a complete list of participating operators. This means availability could vary significantly by market.
The feature also appears to remain unavailable even to some users running iOS 27 beta. A demonstration shared on the MacRumors forum showed the setup process. The developer also noted that the option would appear under the cellular settings once supported by a carrier.
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