In iOS 8, Apple introduced a new feature called Handoff, which allows you to launch a task on one device and effortlessly switch to a different device to keep on working. For example, you can launch composing an email on your iPhone and if you choose you would fairly use a bigger keyboard, simply grab your iPad or Mac and keep on typing the email. If you are reading a web page on your iPad, you can view the same link on your iPhone.

Handoff is part of a faultless integration between devices Apple calls stability. A different feature of Continuity is the capability to answer calls on your iPad. If you are using your iPad when your iPhone rings, you can answer the call on the iPad rather than putting the iPad down and picking up the iPhone. You can also start phone calls from the iPad.

In addition to Apple’s Mail app, Handoff also works with Messages, Safari, Reminders, Contacts, Maps, Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Calendar. And for those developers who choose to add the feature into their apps, Handoff will allow for the same permanent contact to information between multiple devices.

The quality is enabled by default after you update your iOS devices to iOS 8, but should you run into trouble with getting it to work, you can get its control switch in iOS Settings > General > Handoff & Suggested Apps. Toggling a feature off then back on is always a good starting point for troubleshooting.

To use Handoff and stability, iOS devices need to be using iOS 8 and Mac computers need to be running OS X Yosemite. The quality is supported by most newer Apple devices including the iPhone 5 or later, iPad (4th generation), iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina display, iPod touch (5th generation), and most newer model Macs.

Handoff requirements

Handoff broadcasts activities using Bluetooth Low energy (BT LE) and transfers them using Wi-Fi, either directly or viaicloud. In order to use Handoff, your iPhones and iPads need to be:

• Equipped with Bluetooth LE (iPhone 5 or later, iPad 4 or later, any iPad mini, iPod touch 5)
• Logged into the same Apple ID (iCloud account) on all your devices.
• Connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Running OS XYosemite10.10 or later.

Bluetooth LE is essential because it both uses very slight power, and it only works within a very close up range. You want Handoff to permanently be available, but not demanding your battery unreasonably. As well, you only want devices that are nearby and under your physical control to pick up your activities. Security and privacy first.

Handoff compatibility

Apple has added Handoff support to the following built-in apps:
• Mail, Safari, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote
Developers can also add Handoff support to App Store apps. Check the app’s description for compatibility.
• Best Handoff apps for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Note that the device you’re handing off from must be awake and unlocked. If, for example, you’re working on an email message on your iPhone and that iPhone automatically locks, Handoff won’t work until you wake the phone and unlock it.
And that’s Handoff in a nutshell—a suitable way to get your work done from whatever device is best for the job.