Apple is preparing to make it considerably easier for people who regularly use more than one iPhone, with iOS 27 introducing a new feature that allows the same phone number to move between two devices.
The feature, referred to as “iPhone Handoff,” was quietly included among the hundreds of smaller changes coming with iOS 27, but new details have now provided a clearer picture of how it is expected to work.
Rather than requiring users to manually move an eSIM from one iPhone to another, iPhone Handoff appears designed around a primary and secondary device. The iPhone used most frequently is selected as the main device and continues to hold the main eSIM, while a companion eSIM is provisioned on the second iPhone.
Once configured, users will be able to move their active phone number between the two iPhones, allowing calls and cellular service to follow whichever device they choose to use. Cellular settings will continue to be controlled from the main iPhone, while location sharing will reportedly follow the device currently using the phone number.
The addition could be particularly useful for people who keep an older iPhone as a secondary device, or who want to use different iPhones for different situations without maintaining two separate phone numbers.
According to MacRumors, a demonstration of the feature has appeared using simulated iPhones through Xcode 27’s Device Hub. Setup is accessible through the Cellular section of the Settings app, where users can designate their main and companion iPhones.
There is one important limitation. iPhone Handoff is expected to depend on carrier support, meaning availability could vary between networks and countries when iOS 27 launches. T-Mobile in the United States and Deutsche Telekom in Germany have been mentioned as possible early supporters, although Apple has yet to provide a complete list of participating carriers.
The feature arrives as Apple prepares to release iOS 27 later this month. The update has been undergoing beta testing throughout the summer after being unveiled at WWDC26 in June.
Alongside iPhone Handoff, iOS 27 introduces the new Siri AI experience, expanded Apple Intelligence features, performance improvements, further refinements to Liquid Glass and a long list of changes across apps including Messages, Photos, Maps, Safari, Mail and Shortcuts. The Apple Post has a full rundown of what’s new in iOS 27 here.