iPhone Handoff Expands to Verizon and EE
Apple is broadening the availability of its new dual-SIM feature, allowing users on major US and UK networks to switch between two iPhones while keeping a single phone number.
Apple has confirmed that Verizon and EE will support the iPhone Handoff feature in iOS 27 later this year. The addition brings the capability to a wider audience after it was initially limited to fewer providers. This update allows users to maintain a single phone number across two different iPhone devices running the latest software, offering a flexible way to manage personal and professional lines without carrying two separate physical SIM cards.
According to MacRumors, the feature was briefly touched upon during the June WWDC keynote but lacked detailed implementation plans at the time. Now that iOS 27 is rolling out to the public, the carrier support details have become clearer. While T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom were the first to enable the feature, the expansion to Verizon and EE marks a significant step in making this utility accessible to a larger portion of the global iPhone user base.
How Dual Device Switching Works
The core function of iPhone Handoff is the ability to toggle your active phone number between two registered iPhones. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards or relying solely on eSIM management, users can designate which device is currently active for calls and messages. This is particularly useful for individuals who need to separate work and personal lives on the same mobile number, allowing them to switch contexts instantly based on which phone they are holding.
Both devices must be running iOS 27 for the feature to function. The system handles the network routing in the background, ensuring that calls and texts are directed to the active device. This eliminates the manual effort of disabling one eSIM profile and enabling another, streamlining the user experience for those who rely on multiple devices for a single identity.
Carrier Costs and Availability
Not all carriers offer this service for free. T-Mobile, one of the initial supporters, charges a monthly fee of $5 for access to iPhone Handoff. This pricing model suggests that other carriers may also introduce similar subscription tiers. Users on Verizon and EE should check their specific plan details, as the cost structure may vary by region and provider.
The availability of the feature is strictly tied to carrier support. Even if your iPhone is updated to iOS 27, the Handoff option will not appear in your settings unless your mobile provider has enabled it for your account. This dependency means that the rollout is gradual and varies by location, with the new Verizon and EE support expected to go live later this year.
Trade-offs for Users
While the flexibility is appealing, the feature comes with a financial trade-off for some users. The monthly fee charged by carriers like T-Mobile adds to the cost of ownership. Furthermore, the requirement for both devices to be iPhones running the same OS version limits interoperability. Users who mix Android and iPhone devices will not be able to utilize this specific handoff mechanism, as it is an Apple ecosystem-exclusive feature.
There is also a potential complexity in managing which device is active. Users must remain aware of their device status to avoid missing calls or messages if they forget to switch. For casual users who do not frequently switch between two active lines, the added cost and management overhead may not justify the benefit. The feature is best suited for power users who require constant access to their number across multiple physical devices.
