When a user switches phones, calls, voicemail and messages — including iMessage, RCS, SMS and MMS — move to the active iPhone. The user’s Find My location also follows the device currently being used.
Unlocking one of the two phones makes it the active device, while the other becomes inactive on the network.
That means the feature is different from having two phones simultaneously ringing from independently active SIMs.
How does iPhone Handoff work?
Apple says both devices need to be signed in to the same Apple Account.
To set it up, users can go to Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then select “Use Number on This iPhone and Another.”
An eSIM for the number is then added to the second device.
Users can switch between the two iPhones without manually transferring their eSIM each time. Data stored through iCloud will continue to sync across the devices.
The feature requires iOS 27 or later, Wi-Fi, the appropriate Apple Account, and Messages, FaceTime, and iMessage settings.
It could be particularly useful for someone who keeps separate large and compact iPhones, regularly switches devices, or wants to use a second iPhone without maintaining another mobile number.
Will iPhone Handoff work in the UAE?
This is where UAE users may need to wait.
Apple’s UAE website confirms that iOS 27 introduces iPhone Handoff, allowing customers with supported carriers to switch between two iPhones while keeping the same phone number.
However, Apple does not currently list UAE operators among the carriers confirmed to offer the service.