Apple takes communication between devices within the ecosystem to the next level with its new generation operating system, iOS 27. According to the latest details shared, the technology giant has started to cooperate with GSM operators to extend Handoff technology beyond Wi-Fi limits and run it over cellular networks. This innovation, which started to be tested in the US market with T-Mobile infrastructure, aims to completely change the call transfer habits of users.
Handoff, one of the most popular hardware of the Apple ecosystem for years, allowed users to seamlessly transfer an incoming call to their iPhone 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 new infrastructure developed, the iOS 27 iPhone Handoff experience will be able to work smoothly even in environments where there is no common Wi-Fi connection. Users will be able to transfer between devices via cellular data lines while on the move or in different locations.
Integration at the operator level is required for the system to operate on cellular data without delay and with high voice quality. This infrastructure, which was initially made available to T-Mobile subscribers; By using network level routing protocols, it prevents any disconnection, audio interruption or crackling during the call.
According to the official details shared by Apple, the feature will not be directly available globally. At the time of release, only two operators in the world will support this technology: T-Mobile (United States) and Deutsche Telekom (Germany).
The fact that the feature requires a special eSIM management and network protocol at the operator level in the background stands out as the biggest obstacle to wide-scale deployment. It is also stated that GSM operators may charge additional subscription or installation fees for this technology.
Considering the necessary infrastructure requirements and launch restrictions, it is certain that the feature will not work in Turkey at launch.
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 Turkey will have to wait for the steps taken by local operators to be able to use the same number actively switched on two different devices.
One of the most critical questions that came to mind with the announcement of the feature was the devices brought from abroad and IMEI legislation. Many users are wondering whether IMEI registration will become a thing of the past thanks to this system and whether a second iPhone can be used without registration in Turkey.
Unfortunately, the answer is: No, IMEI registration remains mandatory.
The system developed by Apple requires a direct connection to the operator network via a physical or secondary eSIM. According to the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK) regulations, the IMEI number of every device connected to mobile networks in Turkey must be registered on MCKS (Mobile Device Registration System).
Since the second device will connect to a cellular network and receive calls or data, it will be subject to the 120-day usage limit imposed by BTK on unregistered devices.
An unregistered iPhone purchased from abroad does not create an opening for unregistered use as it will have to connect to the Turkish operator network with its own IMEI, even if it receives calls on your main device via cellular Handoff.
Security standards are also kept at the highest level in Handoff transactions carried out over the cellular line. While the data flow between the two devices is protected by end-to-end encryption methods, user data is not processed on the operator servers in any way during package transfer.
This feature, which will provide great convenience especially for professionals working in the field and users who are constantly on the move, once again reveals the superiority of hardware and software integration in the Apple ecosystem.
