Apple is adding a new feature called iPhone Handoff to iOS 27 that will let users switch between two iPhones while using the same phone number.
Apple briefly mentioned the feature during its WWDC 2026 keynote, but it didn’t explain much about how it would work at the time. A new demonstration has now provided a closer look at what users can expect.
The feature is designed to pair two iPhones, with one device acting as the primary iPhone and the other working as a companion. This would let users switch between the two devices without maintaining completely separate phone numbers.
The setup has reportedly been demonstrated through Xcode 27’s Device Hub, giving users an early look at how the feature works before iOS 27 officially arrives.
This could be especially useful for people who own multiple iPhones but don’t always want to carry their main device. For example, someone could leave a newer and more expensive iPhone at home and take an older or smaller iPhone when going out, while still being able to use their regular phone number.
The feature could also give older iPhones a more useful role. Instead of leaving a previous iPhone unused as a backup, users could potentially keep it connected as a companion device and switch to it whenever they want.
However, there is an important limitation. iPhone Handoff will require support from mobile carriers, so the feature may not immediately work for everyone. References to T-Mobile in the US and Telekom.de in Germany have reportedly been found in Apple’s software code, suggesting those carriers could be among the first to support it. It remains unclear how widely the feature will be available when iOS 27 launches.
The timing is also interesting because Apple is expected to introduce new iPhone models alongside the iOS 27 release. Having the ability to use one number across two iPhones could make it easier for users to switch between devices depending on where they are or what they need.
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Apple is expected to release iOS 27 later this month. While iPhone Handoff was previously mentioned by the company, the recent demonstration gives users a better idea of how the feature could work. More details about supported carriers and availability are expected as the iOS 27 release gets closer.
