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Apple Launches iPhone Handoff, T-Mobile Adds $5 Monthly Fee
Confirmed
In Short: As of now, T-Mobile is the only U.S. carrier supporting iPhone Handoff, charging a $5 monthly fee for the service. This pricing model has been described as a 'bummer' by some, though it is not entirely unexpected.
Apple launched the iPhone Handoff feature last week, allowing users to share a single phone number across two iPhones. The feature automatically switches the number to whichever device the user picks up, making it feel like 'magic,' according to a 9to5Mac tester.
Apple's iPhone Handoff requires both devices to be running iOS 27 or later, use the same Apple Account, and have Messages in iCloud enabled. The feature does not automatically move an Apple Watch, but users can pair their watch with the primary phone.
Verizon has announced plans to support iPhone Handoff by the end of 2026, though pricing details have not been released. AT&T, on the other hand, has not provided a launch date or pricing plan, instead highlighting its existing eSIM activation and transfer options.
An AT&T spokesperson told CNET that while the carrier sees potential in iPhone Handoff, its current focus is on delivering innovations that simplify customers' lives and maintain their confidence. However, the spokesperson's comments suggest a lack of understanding of how seamless iPhone Handoff is compared to manually transferring an eSIM.
Apple's iPhone Handoff is distinct from existing services like AT&T NumberSync and Wi-Fi Calling, as it provides a more integrated experience across two iPhones. The feature makes the secondary iPhone more independent, unlike devices that rely on Wi-Fi or Continuity calling from a nearby primary iPhone.
The launch of iPhone Handoff highlights the varying approaches of major U.S. carriers to this new technology. While T-Mobile has embraced the feature with a clear pricing plan, AT&T and Verizon are taking a more cautious approach, with AT&T seemingly unprepared to fully support the feature.
Apple's support documentation indicates that updating to iOS 27 alone does not activate Handoff; users must meet specific requirements set by Apple and their carrier.
What this adds
Carrier infrastructure must support iPhone Handoff on the backend, and confirmed support remains limited to a small number of carriers.
Background
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What's confirmed
- According to the report: “While we see that there could be potential in capabilities like iPhone Handoff,” the spokesperson replied, “our focus remains on delivering innovations that make life simpler and keep customers connected with confidence.” They then pointed to “existing eSIM activation and transfer options across compatible devices.” This will be upsetting news AT&T subscribers.
What's still developing
- It is a bummer that T-Mobile is charging $5 per month for iPhone Handoff, though it’s not necessarily surprising.
- The number intelligently moves between each iPhone based on whichever one you pick up.
- The company launched iPhone Handoff alongside Apple’s new iPhone generation and charges $5 per month for the additional capability.
- Verizon has also not published a consumer price for Handoff.
- That leaves customers with three very different answers to a seemingly simple question: Can I use my phone number across two iPhones?
- Verizon and EE were identified by MacRumors as carriers expected to add support before the end of 2026.
- Carrier infrastructure has to support it on the backend, and confirmed support remains limited to a small number of carriers.
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- Dual SIM works if both eSIMs are on compatible carriers, and both profiles switch together when you unlock a phone.