Upgraded

Active

Upgraded helps retailers and carriers sell devices on subscription.

Summer 2016Founded 201613 peopleSan Francisco, CA, USA; Remote

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About

Upgraded helps retailers and carriers sell devices on subscription. Subscribers pay monthly and can upgrade anytime. Smartphones, laptops, tablets and more. Creating and managing these programs involves lender integrations, residual value management and building great software — resellers don’t know how to do this. Upgraded provides the infrastructure to launch immediately, keep customers loyal and cut replacement cycles in half. Device financing is a $541B market globally. US carrier financing grew from $13B to $51B in the last four years. Upgraded partners include Apple, Dixons/Elkjøp, MediaMarkt and Vodafone. Upgraded was founded in 2016. Investors include Y Combinator and GRIL Ventures. Upgraded is led by CEO John Erik Metcalf and CTO Ziad Sawalha.

From their website

as of Jun 7, 2026getupgraded.com ↗

MarketplaceSubscription · As low as 0% APR; example payments start from $33.28/mo (MacBook Air) or $52.17/mo (MacBook Pro) for 36 months; total amounts shown (e.g., $1198 total, $1878 total). Rates vary by model and eligibility through Affirm.

Upgraded offers a MacBook upgrade program that lets retailers and carriers help customers get a MacBook on a low monthly payment plan with AppleCare+ and the option to upgrade every two years.

Customers choose a MacBook model from partner stores, then check out with Upgraded. They pay over 36 months (with 0% APR advertised) and have AppleCare+ coverage included. After 24 payments, they have the option to upgrade to a newer model. The program is facilitated through collaborations with Apple Premier Partners and financing partners (Affirm), with approval and payment terms managed by Upgraded.

Who it’s for: Retailers and carriers seeking a device upgrade financing option to offer customers for MacBooks (and iPads referenced).

Features

MacBook upgrade every two years
Low monthly payments over 36 months
AppleCare+ coverage included
Upgrade option after 24 payments
0% APR advertised
Financing through Affirm
Partnered with Apple Premier Partners

New service with multiple press reviews cited and active customer feedback; traction indicated by reviews and partnerships with Apple Premier Partners