Verizon doubles T-Mobile's price for Apple's dual-iPhone number sharing
Verizon has confirmed it will charge $10 per month for Apple's new iPhone Handoff feature, which allows users to share a single phone number across two devices. This fee is double the $5 monthly cost set by T-Mobile, the first U.S. carrier to support the service. The feature, introduced in iOS 27, enables seamless switching between a primary and secondary iPhone, such as the new iPhone Duo, without changing numbers. While Verizon and T-Mobile have set prices, AT&T has indicated it has no plans to support the feature, and international carriers like Deutsche Telekom and EE offer it at varying costs or include it in premium plans.
Key points
- Verizon will charge $10 per month for iPhone Handoff, double T-Mobile's $5 fee.
- The feature allows one phone number to be active on two iPhones simultaneously via eSIM.
- iPhone Handoff is an iOS 27 feature designed for switching between devices like the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro.
- AT&T has no plans to support the feature, while Deutsche Telekom and EE offer it at €6.95 and £5 per month, respectively.
- Verizon's pricing was announced alongside the iPhone Duo, with support expected before the end of 2026.
Background
Apple introduced iPhone Handoff in iOS 27 in September 2026, initially supported by T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom. T-Mobile set a $5 monthly fee, while Deutsche Telekom included it in certain plans or charged €6.95. Verizon and EE were expected to follow by year's end. This development follows Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' event, where the feature was detailed, and precedes the launch of the iPhone Duo, which is priced at $1,999 and designed to complement the Handoff feature.
How outlets are covering it
9to5Mac and MacRumors both report Verizon's $10 monthly fee, emphasizing it is double T-Mobile's $5 charge. MacRumors notes that Verizon's pricing was included in its iPhone Duo announcement, while 9to5Mac highlights the contrast with T-Mobile's lower fee. The Verge questions the practicality of the feature, suggesting that swapping eSIMs is a free alternative and that the feature may appeal to a niche audience, such as those wanting to use a smaller iPhone on weekends. The Verge also notes that AT&T has no plans to support the feature, while 9to5Mac and MacRumors confirm that EE will offer it for £5 per month or free with its Full Works Plus plan.
Why it matters
The pricing of iPhone Handoff highlights the growing cost of carrier services for Apple's new features, potentially affecting consumer adoption. The disparity between carriers' fees may influence which carriers gain or lose customers, especially as Apple's new iPhone Duo and other devices rely on this feature for seamless use. The lack of support from AT&T could also impact its market position, as competitors offer the feature at varying costs.
What to watch
Verizon's support for iPhone Handoff is expected to launch before the end of 2026, as per Apple's earlier announcement. EE's support is also expected soon, with pricing details already confirmed. AT&T's stance remains unchanged, with no immediate plans to support the feature. As more carriers adopt the feature, consumer adoption and feedback will be key in determining its long-term success.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on 9to5Mac