# 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.
- Title: T-Mobile wants $5 to share your iPhone number · Engadget
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: apple, iphone, t-mobile, esim, ios 27, technology, wants, share, number, Engadget
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2255731/apple-iphone-handoff-5-a-month-on-t-mobile
- Author: Mariella Moon
- Published: 2026-09-11T11:57:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: apple, iphone, t-mobile, esim, ios 27, technology
## 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
## Key takeaway

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.