Apple is preparing a practical multi-device feature for iOS 27 that lets users keep a single phone number while moving between two iPhones. The capability, called iPhone Handoff, was first spotted in detail by MacRumors after appearing only as a brief line on a WWDC 2026 feature slide.
The idea is straightforward. One iPhone is set as the main device and keeps the user’s primary eSIM. The second phone is designated a companion and receives a companion eSIM tied to the same number and carrier account. The number then follows whichever iPhone is unlocked and in active use, rather than ringing on both devices at once. A Dynamic Island notification can appear when the number transfers. Cellular settings stay on the main iPhone, while location sharing updates to the device currently using the number.
Setup lives in Settings under Cellular. Both phones need iOS 27, and the feature depends on carrier support. Early reports point to T-Mobile in the United States and Deutsche Telekom in Germany as possible first partners, though availability will vary by network. The approach builds on how an iPhone already shares a number with a cellular Apple Watch, using eSIM provisioning instead of cloning a line or swapping physical SIMs.
MacDailyNews Take: The use case is niche, but useful for people who keep a smaller iPhone and a larger one, a personal device and a work device, or a future foldable alongside a standard iPhone. iOS 27 is expected later this month, so more official details and carrier confirmations should arrive soon.
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Maybe more than a niche… A second older iPhone (kept after upgrading) for outdoor people, ie take to the beach, hotel pool, camping, working outside, construction, first responder, etc.
I think there could be a lot of people who might be afraid to have an expensive iPhone that are averse to damage, theft, or loss, and just keep using there old iPhone, and when they do upgrade, go for a less expensive model. I think this could help upgrade cycles.
Could be an interesting way to give kids access to a cell phone without paying for a full second line. You could use parental controls on the second phone so the kid doesn’t see all your text messages and such, though it would take a bit of fiddling to get it right. I’m sure carriers will charge something for the feature to prevent too much of this.