Apple is taking communication between devices within its ecosystem to the next level with its new generation operating system iOS 27. According to the latest details, the tech giant has begun collaborating with GSM operators to extend Handoff technology beyond Wi-Fi to operate over cellular networks. This innovation, which has begun testing with T-Mobile infrastructure in the US market, aims to completely change users’ call forwarding habits.

Wi-Fi Requirement is Becoming a Thing of the Past

Handoff, one of the most beloved features of the Apple ecosystem for years, allowed users to seamlessly transfer an incoming call or an ongoing FaceTime call to their iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch devices. However, for this system to work, all devices had to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Thanks to the newly developed infrastructure, the iOS 27 iPhone Handoff experience will work seamlessly even in environments without a shared Wi-Fi connection. Users will be able to transfer data between devices over cellular data lines while on the go or in different locations.

Currently Supported by Only Two Operators

Operator-level integration is required for the system to work seamlessly and with high-quality voice over cellular data. Initially available to T-Mobile subscribers, this infrastructure uses network-level routing protocols to prevent random disconnections, audio interruptions, or static during calls.

According to official details shared by Apple, the feature will not be directly available globally. At launch, only two operators in the world will support this technology: T-Mobile (United States) and Deutsche Telekom (Germany). The biggest obstacle to widespread deployment is that the feature requires operator-level custom eSIM management and network protocol in the background. It is also stated that GSM operators may demand additional subscription or installation fees for this technology. So, will it work in Türkiye? Considering the necessary infrastructure requirements and launch restrictions, it is certain that the feature will not work in Türkiye during its launch phase.

GSM operators in Turkey (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom) need to integrate this special secondary eSIM infrastructure into their systems and reach an agreement with Apple. Therefore, users in Türkiye will need to wait for the steps to be taken by local operators so that they can actively use the same number on two different devices with a switch.

Is IMEI Registration Becoming a Thing of the Past? Will a Second iPhone Be Usable Without Registration in Turkey?

• One of the most critical questions that came to mind with the announcement of this feature was about devices brought from abroad and IMEI regulations. Many users are wondering about the answers to the questions: Is IMEI registration becoming a thing of the past and

  Will a second iPhone be usable without registration in Turkey

thanks to this system?

• Unfortunately, the answer is: No, IMEI registration is still required.

Network Connection Requirement:

The system developed by Apple requires direct connection to the operator network via a physical or secondary eSIM. According to the regulations of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), it is mandatory for every device connected to mobile networks in Turkey to have its IMEI number registered on the MCKS (Mobile Device Registration System).

Signal and Call Transfer: Since the second device will connect to a cellular network and receives invitations or information, it will be subject to the 120-day usage limit applied by BTK to unregistered devices.

In Summary:

Even if an unregistered iPhone purchased abroad receives invitations from your main device via cellular Handoff, it will still be obliged to connect to the Turkish operator network with its own IMEI, thus not creating an open door for unregistered use.

Uninterrupted Communication and High Security

Security standards are also kept at a high level in Handoff operations performed over cellular boundaries. Information flow between the two devices is protected by end-to-end encryption, and user data is not processed in any form on operator servers during packet transfer. This feature, which will provide great convenience especially for field professionals and users who are always on the go, once again demonstrates the superiority of hardware and software integration in the Apple ecosystem.

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