Apple's iOS 27 move: Cellular Handoff will not work in Turkey initially

It is reported that Apple is preparing to move the Handoff feature beyond Wi-Fi boundaries with iOS 27. With the new infrastructure, the goal is for users to be able to continue calls coming to their iPhone or ongoing FaceTime conversations via cellular networks on an iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or a second iPhone.

In the current Handoff experience, devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The new structure being tested with iOS 27 removes this requirement, making device-to-device transitions more flexible for users on the move. This will allow for call and connection transfers between devices that are not in the same environment.

For the feature to work, software support on Apple's side alone will not be enough. Cellular Handoff needs to be integrated with special eSIM management and network protocols at the carrier level. For this reason, the system is not expected to be launched globally at the same time.

INITIAL SUPPORT IN THE US AND GERMANY

According to the information provided, Apple is testing the new feature in the US with T-Mobile infrastructure in the first phase. It is stated that the carriers expected to offer support at launch will be limited to T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom in Germany.

As for Turkey, the picture is clear for now: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom need to integrate this infrastructure into their systems and make the necessary agreements with Apple. Cellular Handoff is not expected to be available in Turkey until these steps are taken.

The new feature also created an expectation that iPhones brought from abroad could be used in Turkey without registration. However, since the system requires the second device to also connect to the carrier network, it does not eliminate the IMEI registration requirement.

According to BTK regulations, the IMEI number of devices connecting to mobile networks in Turkey must be registered in the Mobile Device Registration System. Therefore, if an unregistered iPhone is to receive calls or data over a cellular network, it will continue to be subject to existing usage time limitations.

It is stated that data transfer in Apple's new Handoff structure will be protected by security standards and that end-to-end encryption will be used in communication between devices. Nevertheless, whether the feature will come to Turkey will depend on the technical and commercial steps of local carriers.

News Source: 12punto