Apple iOS 27 iPhone handoff feature could let you use one phone number across two iPhones

Apple's iOS 27 could let users share the same phone number across two iPhones with the new 'iPhone Handoff' feature. Here's how it works.iOS 27 could get a new ‘iPhone Handoff’ feature.Apple seems to be addressing a long-standing limitation that most smartphone users have faced. The company is reportedly bringing something called "iPhone Handoff" to its devices that will let you share a single phone number across two iPhones without needing to manually swap SIM cards, forward calls, or pay for a second cellular line.According to MacRumors, Apple has added the feature to its new iOS 27, after briefly previewing it during the WWDC 2026 keynote in June. While Apple included the feature on a slide highlighting hundreds of new additions coming to iOS 27 and other software updates, it did not share any specific details at the time. Now, a video shared by MacRumors, which demonstrates the feature using two simulated iPhones in Xcode 27’s Device Hub, gives us a clearer look at how it will work.How it worksYou will be able to set up iPhone Handoff directly from the Settings app under the Cellular menu. During the initial setup, you will be prompted to designate one iPhone as your main device and the second as a companion device.Apple says your primary eSIM profile will remain tied to the main iPhone, while a linked "companion eSIM" will be generated for the second phone. This setup is what allows you to move back and forth between both devices while keeping the exact same phone number active on whichever phone you are using. Control stays centralised, too. All cellular plans and account settings are handled exclusively from the main iPhone. Meanwhile, location sharing automatically follows the iPhone that is actively carrying the line at that moment, meaning contacts checking your location in Find My will see where the active phone actually is.Carrier support will be keyRunning iOS 27 on both devices won’t be the only prerequisite. The feature appears to rely heavily on telecom carrier infrastructure, much like cellular provisioning works for the Apple Watch. Early findings suggest that carriers such as T-Mobile in the US and Deutsche Telekom in Germany could be among the first to offer support. For people who use a secondary device for workouts, travel, or basic outdoor tasks without risking their expensive flagship phone, iPhone Handoff could be a major upgrade.With iOS 27 expected to roll out publicly later this month following three months of beta testing, Apple is likely to make an official announcement regarding carrier availability and eligible markets soon.- EndsPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 11:49 IST