From Engadget · Mariella Moon · · 1m 30s
T-Mobile wants $5 to share your iPhone number
Apple's iPhone Handoff lets one eSIM number live on two iPhones, and T-Mobile is charging monthly for the privilege.
In brief
Apple's iPhone Handoff lets one eSIM number live on two iPhones, and T-Mobile is charging monthly for the privilege. iPhone Handoff arrives with iOS 27 on September 14, but T-Mobile customers pay $5 a month to use it, and only one phone can hold the number at a time. Originally reported by Engadget.
One number, two iPhones
Apple is adding iPhone Handoff in iOS 27, letting the same eSIM number work across two devices. It launches with T-Mobile in the US and Deutsche Telekom in Germany.
T-Mobile attaches a fee
Subscribers who want the feature pay an extra $5 a month. For a carrier that built its brand on killing small fees, this is an awkward line item.
“What a shame there isn't some sort of un-carrier who eliminates these sorts of nickel-and-dime fees”
Only one phone at a time
The two handsets can't use the number simultaneously. You pick which iPhone is active, and you can flip between them whenever you want.
“the phones can't use the same number at the same time”
Everything follows you
Calls, voicemail, messages and Find My move automatically to whichever iPhone you're holding. iCloud data and third-party apps sync across both.
How to set it up
Start in Settings or during a new iPhone activation. On the newer phone, go to Cellular, tap Set up Cellular or Add eSIM, pick an iPhone, then Continue and Transfer.
What you need first
Both iPhones must run iOS 27 and share one Apple ID. Unlock the phone you want active and a "Switched to this iPhone" banner confirms it. iOS 27 ships September 14.
“Switched to this iPhone”
At a glance
iPhone Handoff arrives with iOS 27 on September 14, but T-Mobile customers pay $5 a month to use it, and only one phone can hold the number at a time.
