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EE Makes iPhone Handoff Free on Top UK Plan, £5 on Others

UK carrier EE has revealed the costs for Apple’s iPhone Handoff feature, marking the first UK pricing announcement for the service that lets users share one number across two devices.

Illustration: Two smartphones rest side by side on a smooth white surface.
AI-generated illustration: Vector Update

Key points

  • EE includes iPhone Handoff for free with its Full Works Plus plan.
  • The feature costs £5 per month on other EE contracts.
  • Apple previously confirmed the service would launch by the end of the year.

UK carrier EE has announced the pricing for Apple’s iPhone Handoff feature, becoming the first British mobile operator to release these details. According to 9to5Mac, the service is included at no extra cost for customers on the Full Works Plus plan. Subscribers on other EE plans will pay £5 per month for the feature, which allows users to switch their mobile number between two iPhones seamlessly.

In plain English

iPhone Handoff lets you keep the same phone number on two different iPhones at the same time. This means you can carry a large, powerful iPhone for daily use and a smaller, lighter model for exercise or travel, without losing calls or messages. Your contacts, texts, and notifications sync between the devices instantly, so you can choose which phone to use based on your current activity or preference.

The background

Apple introduced iPhone Handoff during its September keynote event, describing it as a way to use the same eSIM across multiple iPhones. The feature requires specific support from mobile carriers to function. At the time of the announcement, Apple named T-Mobile, Verizon, EE, and Deutsche Telekom as partners who would support the technology. This coordination is necessary because the feature relies on the carrier’s network to manage the shared digital SIM card.

What changes now

While Apple stated that iPhone Handoff would be available by the end of the year, EE has confirmed it is still “coming soon.” The carrier’s announcement clarifies the financial commitment required from UK customers. Those on the premium Full Works Plus plan, which already includes Fast Lane priority, get the feature for free. Other customers must add a rolling contract add-on for £5 a month, a price point that differs from US carriers who have set their fees at $5 or $10.

Key terms explained

Understanding carrier features like this requires knowing how mobile plans bundle services. Teams usually review whether a new feature is included in existing contracts or requires an extra fee. Check whether your current plan already covers similar multi-device benefits before adding new services. Carriers often reserve advanced features for premium tiers, so verifying your plan details prevents unexpected charges. Look for clear terms about what happens if you cancel the add-on or switch plans later.

What to do and how to stay safe: EE

  • Review your current EE contract to see if you are on the Full Works Plus plan, which includes this feature for free.
  • Check your monthly budget to determine if the £5 add-on fee fits your spending limits for other EE plans.
  • Monitor official EE announcements for the specific launch date, as the feature is not yet available.
  • Compare the cost with US pricing models if you travel frequently, noting that UK fees differ from those set by T-Mobile or Verizon.

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

How much does iPhone Handoff cost on EE?

It is free for Full Works Plus customers and costs £5 per month on other EE plans.

Is iPhone Handoff available right now?

No, EE stated the feature is coming soon, with Apple confirming availability by the end of the year.

Which carriers support iPhone Handoff?

Apple announced support from T-Mobile, Verizon, EE, and Deutsche Telekom during its September keynote.

Sources

  1. 9to5Mac
EEAppleiPhone HandoffeSIM9to5Mac

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