A one-of-a-kind Apple-1 computer, one of the first machines made by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, sold for a staggering $375,000 (Rs 3,21,09,270) at an auction recently. The historic piece of computing machinery was a part of the Steve Jobs and the Apple Revolution Auction, which was organized by RR Auction. Of a set of Apple memorabilia that was rare, the Apple-1 computer took center stage.
Apple-1 #91: Fully restored, preserving Apple’s legacy
This specific Apple-1 machine, the #91 in the authorized Apple-1 registry, was graded 8.0/10 for condition. It still had its original integrated circuits, labeled in plain sight, and had been meticulously refurbished to full working order by vintage Apple specialist Corey Cohen. In addition to the computer, the winning user also got an original user's manual, which contained handwritten notes citing Apple's co-founders.
Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President with RR Auction, described why possessing such a machine is valuable: "Possessing an Apple-1 is more than having a computer; it's part of history—a direct link to the innovative genius of Jobs, Wozniak, and the innovative group that reshaped the technological landscape."
The Apple-1: Apple’s first product and its pioneering role in personal computing
The Apple-1 was the first product of Apple Computer Company, introduced in 1976. It cost $666.66 then, and only around 200 units were hand-assembled, and around 175 were sold to early computer enthusiasts and hobbyists. Contrary to most computers then, which needed to be extensively assembled by the user, the Apple-1 was sold as a completely assembled circuit board. Nevertheless, users had to supply their own keyboard, monitor, and power supply. Most of them even built wooden or plexiglass enclosures to store their Apple-1 units.
Technical specifications of the Apple-1
Equipped with a MOS MCS6502 processor, the Apple-1 contained 4KB of RAM that could be extended to 8KB. The Apple-1 stored data in cassette tapes and did not possess many of the features we consider standard today, including lowercase letters and a delete key. Nonetheless, the Apple-1 represented a revolutionary step forward in the realm of personal computing and assisted in paving the way for future technology.
Apple memorabilia breaks records with rare items fetching top dollar
Besides, the sale included other prized Apple-related items that attracted good prices:
- Steve Jobs' signed cheque dated 1976 went for more than Rs 93 lakh ($112,054), while another such cheque dated 1976 fetched Rs 52 lakh ($62,500).
- A sealed factory first-generation 4GB iPhone was sold for Rs 72 lakh ($87,514).
- A used Apple Lisa computer with uncommon 'Twiggy' drives—a early shot at personal computer use with graphical user interface—sold for Rs 47 lakh ($56,818).
Auctions of some early Macintosh computers' prototypes and business cards of Steve Jobs were also made.
Apple's ongoing legacy and innovation highlighted at WWDC 2025 announcement
Aside from the auction, Apple remains firmly set at the forefront of the tech world. Apple announced separately that the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be held on June 9 to 13. The online conference will feature Apple's newest developments in technology and software.
“We’re excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations. Developers and students will also have the opportunity to attend a special event at Apple Park on June 9.
From its pioneering first product, the Apple-1, to its ongoing innovations, Apple is a dominant force in determining the direction of the technological world. Selling these scarce Apple pieces is a validation of the company's storied past and the lasting impact of its creators.
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