Apple iPhone Handoff lets users share number across two devices for extra fee
Apple’s new iPhone Handoff feature allows a single phone number to remain active on two devices, with T-Mobile charging a monthly premium for the service.
Key points
- Apple announced iPhone Handoff to keep one number active on two iPhones simultaneously.
- T-Mobile is the first US carrier to support the feature, charging an additional $5 monthly.
- Verizon plans to support Handoff by year-end, while AT&T does not currently support it.
Apple announced a new feature called iPhone Handoff last month, designed to allow users to keep a single phone number active on two iPhones at the same time. This functionality enables switching between devices without requiring separate phone numbers for each handset.
According to Apple’s support website, users must designate one device as the primary phone and configure the other as a secondary phone. When a user unlocks one of the devices, the phone number becomes active on that specific handset. That unlocked device will then receive incoming calls and serve as the primary location source for the Find My service.
Context and Background
The feature was unveiled alongside the iPhone Duo, suggesting Apple envisions users alternating between the foldable device and a traditional slab-style iPhone. Apple pitches the service as a convenient way to maintain a consistent identity across different hardware configurations without managing multiple contact identities.
Users might choose a secondary phone for specific use cases, such as weekend leisure time, with apps and settings tailored to those needs. The secondary device allows access to the primary number while offering a distinct user experience. The source material questions whether users would simply switch their eSIM instead of using this feature.
Who Is Affected
T-Mobile is the first US carrier to support iPhone Handoff, but the convenience comes with a financial cost. Customers on T-Mobile must pay an extra $5 on their monthly phone bill to utilize the feature. This additional charge applies to the service of keeping the number active across the dual-device setup.
Verizon has announced plans to support iPhone Handoff by the end of the year, expanding access to another major US carrier. However, AT&T customers currently do not have access to this feature, leaving users on that network without the option to share their number across two iPhones using this specific method.
What should you do?
Users interested in this feature should verify carrier compatibility before attempting setup, as support varies significantly between providers. Those on T-Mobile should review their monthly bills to account for the additional $5 fee associated with the service. Verizon customers should monitor for the expected year-end rollout, while AT&T users should wait for potential future updates.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Check with your mobile carrier to confirm if iPhone Handoff is supported on your specific plan.
- Review your monthly statement to account for any additional fees, such as T-Mobile's $5 charge.
- Configure one device as primary and the other as secondary according to Apple's support guidelines.
- Monitor carrier announcements for expanded support, particularly from Verizon and AT&T.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which carriers support iPhone Handoff?
T-Mobile currently supports the feature, Verizon plans to support it by year-end, and AT&T does not currently support it.
How much does iPhone Handoff cost?
T-Mobile charges an additional $5 per month to use the iPhone Handoff feature.
How does iPhone Handoff work?
Users designate one phone as primary and another as secondary; unlocking a device activates the number on that handset for calls and Find My.
