T-Mobile is one of the first carriers to offer a new iPhone feature that recently launched. However, it is unexpectedly charging customers a monthly fee to access it.
Apple released iOS 27 for iPhones on Sept. 14, introducing new features for iPhone users, including Siri AI, an updated camera app with visual intelligence, and new customization settings with location sharing.
At the company’s Surprise and Shine event on Sept. 9, John Ternus, who became Apple CEO on Sept. 1, described his vision of the iPhone becoming an “intelligent personal hub.”
“You’d want it to be super easy to use without a big learning curve,” said Ternus. “And finally, you’d want it to work seamlessly with your other devices, apps, and services, so it feels like one integrated experience.”
T-Mobile is charging monthly for new iPhone Handoff feature
One of the features that Apple introduced in its iOS 27 update to support this vision includes iPhone Handoff, which is currently available to T-Mobile customers in the U.S. for $5 a month.
The feature allows customers to use the same phone number across two compatible iPhone devices, according to a recent T-Mobile press release. Once a customer downloads iOS 27, it can be accessed in their iPhone’s Settings app under “Cellular.”
With the feature activated, customers can choose which phone is their main device and which is their secondary one. Their phone number automatically switches between both devices when they unlock the one they want to use.
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On the secondary phone, T-Mobile states that customers will be able to make calls, send texts, and use data and mobile hotspot. They will also still have access to features such as Scam Shield and T-Satellite on eligible plans.
However, a caveat customers should be aware of is that both iPhones cannot use the same number simultaneously. Also, Apple warns on its website that while payment cards and car keys stored in Apple Wallet can be used across both iPhones, IDs, corporate badges, and some transit passes may remain available on only one device at a time.
The company also notes that customers should pair their Apple Watch with the iPhone they use most, as iPhone Handoff does not automatically transfer it from one iPhone to another.
Additionally, for customers with Dual SIM, iPhone Handoff works when both eSIMs are supported by compatible carriers. Once configured, both eSIMs switch together at the same time when the device is unlocked.
The new iPhone Handoff feature is currently only available to T-Mobile customers in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom customers in Germany. However, Verizon and EE will support it later this year.
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T-Mobile has been asking customers to pay more
T-Mobile’s decision to charge customers $5 for iPhone Handoff comes during a time when it is seeing progress in improving customer retention in its wireless business.
The company revealed on an earnings call in July that its postpaid phone churn (percentage of postpaid phone customers who canceled service) hit 0.85% in the second quarter of 2026, down from the 0.9% it reported for the same quarter the year before.
It also saw its postpaid service revenues reach $15.9 billion during the quarter, up 13% year over year, according to its latest earnings report.
In recent months, T-Mobile has implemented several price increases and discontinued numerous legacy wireless plans, automatically moving some customers to more expensive plan options.
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In addition, it has made significant changes to discounts, such as adding more restrictions to its Keep and Switch and Family Freedom promotions, which help customers pay off devices they still owe money on from their previous carriers.
The carrier also discontinued its KickBack discount, which gave customers $10 off each wireless line that used less than 2GB of mobile data each month.
As T-Mobile continues to squeeze more money from customers, Wolfe Research senior analyst Peter Supino warned in an analyst note in August that T-Mobile’s revenue could be negatively affected by heightened competition in the wireless market, according to a report from Fierce Network.
He flagged that the company’s rivals are doubling down on offering more competitive postpaid mobile offerings.
“T-Mobile remains the best value in mobile, but its value proposition looks less differentiated today,” said Supino. “In the last 9 months, AT&T and Verizon have begun to offer more value at entry level postpaid price points previously dominated by T-Mobile.”
Related: T-Mobile excludes 2 generous customer perks from new phone plans
