Deutsche Telekom customers will soon find it significantly easier to switch between two iPhones sharing the same phone number. Thanks to the integration of the new iPhone Handoff feature in iOS 27, manual configuration via cryptic control codes is no longer necessary. Instead, simply unlocking the desired smartphone is enough to transfer calls and messages to that device.
Seamless Handoff by Unlocking the Screen
Until now, MultiSIM users often had to rely on so-called USSD codes—special key combinations involving hashes and numbers—to configure which device should receive SMS messages or prioritize incoming calls. The new system noticeably streamlines this process: One iPhone is designated as the primary device, while the second smartphone is linked as a companion device via a digital SIM profile (eSIM).
As soon as users unlock the secondary device, the system prompt “Switched to this iPhone” appears. From that point on, the activated smartphone handles all incoming and outgoing connections. This includes voice calls, SMS, MMS, and voicemail access. Apple’s tracking service, “Find My”, also automatically follows whichever device is currently active. At the same time, only one iPhone remains active for communications, while core connection parameters stay stored on the primary device.
Requirements, Plans, and Known Limitations
Deutsche Telekom provides Handoff support as part of its MultiSIM option. Requirements include both smartphones running iOS 27, using the same Apple Account, and having “Messages in iCloud” synchronization enabled.
Pricing is tied to existing mobile plans:
- MagentaMobil L: One MultiSIM is included at no extra charge.
- MagentaMobil XL: Two MultiSIM cards are included by default.
- Other plans: Additional MultiSIMs cost 6.95 euros per month each.
All linked phones share the contractually agreed data allowance, with Telekom’s system supporting up to eight MultiSIM devices. According to reports, the Handoff connection can only be terminated directly through the carrier.
One notable limitation involves smartwatches: A paired Apple Watch does not switch automatically during this process. The watch remains tethered to the iPhone it was previously paired with and does not follow the Handoff status between the two smartphones.
Carrier-Side Technical Infrastructure
Enabling seamless switching requires specific technical adjustments within the core network. This includes corresponding capabilities in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) as well as support for modern voice standards such as VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or VoNR (Voice over New Radio on 5G networks). For network-level provisioning, the industry relies on entitlement servers from vendors like Motive, which manage the interplay between GSMA standards and newer iPhone models.
Internationally, Telekom’s parent company T-Mobile US was among the first to offer the feature, charging 5 US dollars per month plus taxes. While UK carrier EE is expected to be the next partner, US carrier Verizon plans a rollout by late 2026. In Germany, Telekom is the only carrier launching with native support for the Handoff feature.
Sources: Borncity.com
