iPhone Handoff will cost $10 a month on Verizon, twice what T-Mobile charges. Verizon confirmed the fee on October 16, while AT&T says it has no imminent plans to support Apple's new two-iPhone feature at all.
Handoff, added in iOS 27, lets one phone number move between two iPhones: whichever one you unlock becomes your active line. It needs carrier support, and so far every US carrier offering it charges extra.
What does iPhone Handoff cost on each carrier?
| Carrier | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon (US) | $10/month | "Coming soon" |
| T-Mobile (US) | $5/month | Available |
| AT&T (US) | — | No imminent plans |
| EE (UK) | Free on Full Works Plus, £5/month otherwise | Coming soon |
| Deutsche Telekom (Germany) | Via MultiSIM add-on (€6.95/month, included on some plans) | Available |
Apple has said Verizon and EE will support Handoff before the end of 2026. Neither has given an exact date.
What is iPhone Handoff, and how does it work?
Think of it as one phone number, two iPhones.
- You pick a main iPhone and a secondary iPhone.
- When you unlock one and start using it, your number becomes active on that phone.
- Calls, texts and data follow you to the phone in your hand.
The number is only active on one iPhone at a time. It does not ring both phones at once.
What do you need to use it?
- Two compatible iPhones on iOS 27. Verizon names the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro.
- The same Apple Account on both, with iMessage, FaceTime and Messages in iCloud turned on.
- Wi-Fi on both phones.
- A carrier that supports it, plus the monthly add-on.
Why is Verizon charging double?
Verizon hasn't explained its price. T-Mobile's $5 add-on covers calls and texts, data, hotspot, Scam Shield and T-Satellite on eligible plans, according to iThinkDiff. Verizon's $10 is simply the highest US price so far, and some commentators had predicted carriers would treat the feature as a new line of revenue.
The timing matters: Apple's foldable iPhone Duo launches October 23, and many buyers are expected to carry it alongside a regular iPhone. Handoff is how they'd keep one number.
How do you cancel it?
Call or message your carrier to remove the add-on. Deleting the eSIM from your phone does not cancel the charge, so check your next bill.
Is it worth paying for?
If you genuinely switch between two iPhones every day, $5 to $10 a month is cheaper than a second line. If you only use a second iPhone occasionally, moving your eSIM manually when you need to is free.
