T-Mobile to Charge for iOS 27 'One Number, Two Phones' Feature

T-Mobile is set to charge users $5 per month for the new iPhone Handoff feature introduced with iOS 27. This functionality enables users to share a single phone number across two iPhones, with initial availability limited to customers in the United States and Germany.

Announced by Apple as part of the iOS 27 update, iPhone Handoff allows a phone number to be shared between two compatible iPhones. T-Mobile states that the service includes the sharing of calls, text messages, mobile data, personal hotspot, and other carrier-specific features. Users can select which device is active at any given time.

To utilize iPhone Handoff, users need two iPhones running iOS 27 or later, connected to Wi-Fi, and logged into the same Apple ID. FaceTime, iMessage, and iCloud Messages must also be enabled. The feature can be set up during the initial configuration of a new iPhone or enabled later within the device settings.

The feature relies on eSIM technology, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. Although two iPhones can share the same number, only one device can be active simultaneously. While Apple Wallet payment cards and car keys will function on both devices, some transit cards and ID cards may be restricted to a single device. Disabling the service requires direct contact with the mobile carrier.