Apple Lets 1 Number Switch Between 2 iPhones in iOS 27, Starting at $5 Monthly

3 articles · Updated · TechRepublic · Oct 16

iOS 27 adds iPhone Handoff, an eSIM feature that keeps one phone number enrolled on two iPhones and shifts the active cellular connection when the user unlocks the other device.
Calls, voicemail, iMessage, RCS, SMS, MMS and Find My follow the active phone, eliminating repeated eSIM transfers for people who alternate between two personal iPhones.
Both devices must run iOS 27, share one Apple Account, use the same FaceTime and iMessage sign-in, and have a participating carrier; Apple currently lists T-Mobile in the US and Telekom in Germany.
T-Mobile says the feature costs $5 a month, while some settings still stay on the main iPhone, including Caller ID, call forwarding and carrier account management.
The setup is aimed at one person using two personal iPhones—such as pairing the new iPhone Duo with a standard model—rather than businesses sharing one number across multiple employees.