The process for buying a MacBook has been the same for years. Pay thousands of dollars upfront. Limited custom options in stores. Old devices often sit around for years or end up in landfills.
Upgraded is building a new electronics retailer for the modern age, giving savvy shoppers (like Geekwire readers) a smarter way to buy. You pay over 36 months and from 0% interest, and have the option to upgrade every 2 years. Old devices are refurbished and given a new life.
While Apple has long offered an iPhone Upgrade Program for those eager to stay current with the latest devices, MacBook users haven’t had the same option — until now. Upgraded aims to fill that gap, partnering with trusted Apple resellers to create a flexible upgrade path for MacBooks. “We want to make owning a great device as simple and affordable as possible,” said co-founder John Erik Metcalf. “We’re on a mission to improve human + computer performance, while keeping old laptops out of landfills.”
The program allows users to choose any MacBook model that fits their needs, including the just-released M4 MacBook Air. For those considering a move from an older machine, it could be an ideal moment to not only upgrade but also set themselves up for easier transitions to future models.
Flexibility and affordability:
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, or professionals, managing cash flow when it comes to your expensive purchases is a big deal. Especially with laptops, which are one of the most important investments for a knowledge worker, it makes sense to optimize your spending.
“What I always tell people is, pay it off monthly with 0% interest, then stick the rest of the money you would have spent into a high yield savings account. You can earn around 4% a year on money that would otherwise be gone,” says John Erik.
If you’re unsure when your next upgrade will be, Upgraded gives you the flexibility to buy on your own terms. If you don’t need a new device after 2 years, just finish paying off the laptop and you can keep it forever. If you want a new device sooner than expected, just finish your payments early and you’re eligible to ugprade.
Partnering with the best:
Upgraded is backed by some of the best investors in the tech space, like OpenAI’s Greg Brockman and startup accelerator Y Combinator.
For financing, they partner with the same bank that Apple uses for their iPhone upgrade program, Citizens Pay. And they work with an Apple Premier Partner, GatorTec to supply the devices.
A vision for the future:
“Long term, the plan is to build a digital-first electronics store that makes managing all your devices as simple as possible. The average family has 31 internet connected devices in their house. When a washing machine or computer suddenly breaks, it can be a huge pain and not everyone can afford a new one,” says John Erik. “We want to create a one stop hub to manage all your devices and give you the most affordable way to buy every single one of them.”
The aim is to increase participation in the circular economy. It helps keep old laptops out of landfills (every year ~41 million computers are thrown away in the US alone), and gives people who want affordable refurbished options an easier way to get them.
If you want a new MacBook, head to getupgraded.com to chose your device. Prices start at $33.28/mo for the M4 MacBook Air, and $52.17/mo for the M4 MacBook Pro. They’re trusted by thousands of professionals for a smarter way to buy MacBooks.
