Apple has launched iPhone Handoff, a first-of-its-kind feature that allows a single mobile plan to be seamlessly used across two iPhones. The capability, currently available in the United States, addresses the growing trend of iPhones – particularly the Pro models – omitting physical SIM card slots.
How iPhone Handoff Works
With iPhone Handoff, users with two iPhones running iOS 27 can share one SIM profile. Instead of requiring separate SIMs or eSIMs for each device, the active eSIM dynamically switches between the two iPhones based on which device is currently unlocked and in use. When a call is received, it will automatically route to the iPhone that was most recently used. A notification, ‘Switched to this iPhone’, will appear when connectivity transfers.
One iPhone will function as the ‘primary’ device, maintaining control of the mobile plan. This means managing the account and plan details will be done through the primary iPhone. According to the announcement, the feature is not exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and should work with other iPhones supporting eSIM and running iOS 27, though this has not been fully verified.
Carrier Collaboration is Key
Apple did not develop iPhone Handoff in isolation. The feature required close collaboration with major US carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Apple will need to partner with mobile carriers in other countries to expand the service internationally. The feature is currently limited to the US market.
