Can I use Mint Mobile with iPhone Upgrade program?

Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Mint Mobile sells prepaid mobile plans that run on T-Mobile's cellular network. As a discounted carrier, it offers plans beginning at just $15 per month. You can purchase plans in 3-, 6-, and 12-month increments. From there, you decide how much 4G LTE data per month you want, either 3, 8, or 12GB. Unused data does roll over each month; if you need additional data during a month, you can purchase it for as little as $10 for 1GB. Otherwise, when your data use has been exhausted, your data speed drops to 128 kbps.

Mint Mobile only works with unlocked phones that support GSM. This would include phones paid-in-full from AT&T or T-Mobile or any current-generation phone from Verizon. The No. 1 carrier in the United States uses CDMA, not GSM on its network. However, since the iPhone 6 launched, Apple handsets have included chips that support both standards. Because Verizon doesn't lock their phones, they work with Mint Mobile right out of the box.

With Apple's iPhone Upgrade program, you can finance your phone over 24 months. After 12 of those payments, you can upgrade to a new iPhone with no hassles or extra fees. What's perhaps most interesting about this program is that the phones come unlocked, which is a requirement for Mint Mobile.

When you order an iPhone through the upgrade program, you must activate it at Apple through AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint. However, once this process is completed, you can use SIMs from other companies. Better still, the iPhone Upgrade Program includes AppleCare+ protection automatically, so you never have to worry about mishaps.

Note: Though the phone is unlocked through the program from day one, the handset isn't yours until you've paid 24 installments. The program is currently available for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max.