Verizon to charge $10 monthly for Apple iPhone Handoff feature
Verizon confirms it will bill customers $10 per month to use iPhone Handoff on iOS 27, doubling T-Mobile's fee.
Key points
- Verizon charges $10/month for iPhone Handoff, while T-Mobile charges $5.
- Feature requires iOS 27 and works with iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro.
- Apple states Verizon support arrives before year-end; T-Mobile already supports it.
Verizon announced it will charge customers $10 per month to use Apple’s iPhone Handoff feature, according to a report by MacRumors. The carrier included this pricing in its announcement for the iPhone Duo, confirming that the service allows a single phone number to be shared across two separate iPhones running iOS 27.
The $10 monthly fee makes Verizon’s offering twice as expensive as T-Mobile’s current $5 charge for the same capability. Apple previously stated that Verizon would adopt the feature before the end of the year, and the carrier now says support is coming soon. Users can switch active status between devices at any time while maintaining full access to Verizon's 5G network.
Carrier Pricing and Global Context
T-Mobile in the United States already supports iPhone Handoff, charging customers $5 per month for the service. In Germany, Deutsche Telekom charges €6.95 monthly but includes the feature for free in MagentaMobil L and XL plans. In the United Kingdom, carrier EE offers iPhone Handoff for £5 per month, or free for customers with the Full Works Plus plan. AT&T, the third major U.S. carrier, recently suggested it has no imminent plans to support iPhone Handoff.
Device Compatibility and Functionality
iPhone Handoff allows one phone number to be shared across two separate iPhones, though the number can only be active on one device at a time. Verizon confirmed that iPhone Handoff will work with the iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro models. According to Engadget, the feature requires both devices to run iOS 27 and share the same Apple ID. Users can switch between a main iPhone and a companion iPhone at will, with calls, messages, and Find My moving to the active device.
To set up iPhone Handoff, users navigate to Settings, then Cellular, and select Set up Cellular or Add eSIM on the newer phone. They then select iPhone, Continue, and Transfer. To switch devices, users simply unlock the device they want to start using, seeing a "Switched to this iPhone" message. Apple advises ensuring both iPhones have passcodes to remain in control of which device is actively using the number.
What should you do?
Verizon customers should verify if their specific iPhone models support iOS 27 before committing to the $10 monthly fee. Users should compare this cost against T-Mobile’s $5 charge or EE’s £5 fee if they have international service options. Those on AT&T should note that the carrier has no imminent plans to support the feature, potentially limiting portability options.
What to do and how to stay safe: Verizon
- Check if your current iPhone models support iOS 27, which is required for iPhone Handoff.
- Compare Verizon’s $10 monthly fee with T-Mobile’s $5 charge or international alternatives like EE’s £5 fee.
- Ensure both iPhones have strong passcodes enabled, as Apple recommends this to control number activation.
- Monitor AT&T’s status, as the carrier currently has no imminent plans to support iPhone Handoff.
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
How much does Verizon charge for iPhone Handoff?
Verizon charges $10 per month for iPhone Handoff on compatible devices running iOS 27.
Which iPhone models support Verizon's iPhone Handoff?
Verizon confirmed that iPhone Handoff will work with the iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Is iPhone Handoff available on AT&T?
AT&T recently suggested it has no imminent plans to support iPhone Handoff.
