Do all newer iPhones work on all carriers?

[anthony131]

I'm pretty sure the answer is yes but just to double check, all newer iPhones should work on all carriers, right? For example, I'm looking to get a backup of my iPhone 12 Mini on TMobile, model MG763LL/A. Could I purchase a Verizon model MG6N3LL/A and just swap the SIM cards? In this context, are the model numbers just for inventory and distribution and packaging more so than hardware or software? I'm in the United States.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Both of those stock #s refer to the model A2176 which is the model for all USA carriers. So from a hardware perspective, yes - that'd be fine. You'd just need to ensure that it has the "Unlocked" profile to use it on T-Mobile.

 

[anthony131]

Both of those stock #s refer to the model A2176 which is the model for all USA carriers. So from a hardware perspective, yes - that'd be fine. You'd just need to ensure that it has the "Unlocked" profile to use it on T-Mobile.

Thank you! And a quick search shows that unlocking a second-hand phone would be practically impossible https://support.apple.com/en-us/109316

 

[FreakinEurekan]

It'd certainly be a hassle. You'd likely need to activate it on Verizon for some period of time, so that they'd then accept your unlock request.