Apple's iOS 27 will introduce iPhone Handoff, a feature enabling users to share a single phone number across two iPhones by designating one as the main device and the other as a companion.
iPhone Handoff, demonstrated in a setup video within Xcode 27's Device Hub, allows seamless switching between two paired iPhones while maintaining the same number. The feature was briefly teased during Apple's WWDC keynote in June without implementation details.
The setup process pairs two iPhones, with one functioning as the primary device and the second as a companion. This enables users to switch between devices while keeping their phone number consistent—useful for those managing work and personal use cases or carrying backup devices.
Apple is rolling out the feature as iOS 27 launches later this month. The timing aligns with expected product announcements, suggesting the company may be positioning this capability alongside new hardware offerings.
The feature addresses a practical pain point for users who juggle multiple devices. Rather than maintaining separate numbers or complex forwarding setups, Handoff consolidates the experience into a unified system. The companion phone approach differs from traditional dual-SIM setups, offering a software-based alternative.
Details on how calls, messages, and data sync between the paired devices remain limited. The demo clip shown in Xcode 27 focuses on the pairing mechanism, with full functionality details expected upon iOS 27's release.
This addition reflects Apple's ongoing effort to create interconnected experiences across its device ecosystem, following similar features like Universal Clipboard and Continuity that enable smooth transitions between iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
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