Quick question: Who exactly is iPhone Handoff for?

Carriers charge an extra $5 monthly fee to use your number on a second iPhone.

Apple has introduced a new feature called iPhone Handoff, allowing a single phone number to be active on two iPhones simultaneously. Users designate one iPhone as primary and the other as secondary. When the primary phone is unlocked, the number becomes active on that device, directing calls and enabling Find My functionality. This feature is designed to offer a seamless experience for using one phone number across two devices, particularly for users who might want a secondary phone for specific purposes, like a weekend device or a dedicated personal/work phone. T-Mobile is the first US carrier to support this feature, charging an additional $5 per month, with Verizon expected to offer support later this year. AT&T currently does not support iPhone Handoff.

The primary audience for iPhone Handoff appears to be niche, catering to users who desire the "Duo lifestyle" with a foldable phone but still want to use a traditional iPhone, or those who need a secondary device for specific, limited use cases without managing a second phone number. The requirement for a dedicated secondary phone, coupled with carrier charges, positions this as a luxury convenience rather than a mass-market solution.

The existence of iPhone Handoff, particularly its carrier-dependent nature and associated costs, highlights a potential market for users seeking flexible device integration. However, the ease and cost-effectiveness of switching eSIMs between iPhones present a strong alternative for many, suggesting Handoff's adoption will likely be limited to specific scenarios where its integrated convenience outweighs the added expense and complexity.