Curious about the humble beginnings of Apple? You’re not alone! The cost of the first Apple computer might surprise you.
The Apple I, launched in 1976, retailed for $666.66. That’s a far cry from today’s high-end Macs, but when adjusted for inflation, it’s still a significant investment.
Journey with us as we explore the fascinating story behind Apple’s first computer and the evolution of its pricing strategy.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The early days of Apple were marked by innovation, passion, and determination.
Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, the company set out to revolutionize the world of personal computing.
With the Apple I, they made history by creating a product that was both affordable and accessible to everyday consumers. As the first product in Apple’s illustrious lineup, the Apple I laid the groundwork for the company’s success and innovation.
Hand-assembled by Wozniak himself, this groundbreaking computer marked the beginning of a technological revolution that would shape the way we interact with technology today.
The Apple I: Specs, Features, and Cost
When the Apple I hit the market in 1976, it was nothing short of groundbreaking. Designed by Steve Wozniak and hand-built by the Apple team, the Apple I set the stage for the personal computing revolution.
Let’s take a closer look at the specs, features, and cost of this iconic machine.
Specifications:
- Processor: MOS 6502 1 MHz
- RAM: 4KB, expandable to 8KB or 48KB
- Storage: Cassette tape interface (up to 8KB)
- Display: 40 columns x 24 rows of text
- Keyboard: Not included (user-provided)
- Power Supply: User-provided
Features:
- First Apple computer
- Hand-built by the Apple team
- Sold as a pre-assembled motherboard (no case, keyboard, or power supply)
- Pioneered the use of a TV as a display
Cost:
- Original Price: $666.66
- Equivalent in 2023 dollars (adjusted for inflation): approximately $3,300
The Apple I’s specifications may seem basic by today’s standards, but at the time, it was a significant leap forward in the world of personal computing.
With a price tag of $666.66, the Apple I was more affordable than many of its competitors, making it accessible to a wider audience. Though users had to provide their own power supply, keyboard, and display, this innovative machine paved the way for Apple’s future success.
The Evolution of Apple’s Pricing Strategy
Over the years, Apple has evolved its pricing strategy to keep up with the ever-changing tech landscape. From its humble beginnings with the Apple I to its sleek and powerful devices today, Apple has consistently aimed to deliver cutting-edge technology at a premium price point.
Let’s examine how Apple’s pricing strategy has evolved over the years.
- Apple II (1977) – Starting at $1,298
- More user-friendly than the Apple I
- Featured a built-in keyboard, power supply, and color display capabilities
- Aimed at a broader consumer base, including home users and small businesses
- Macintosh (1984) – Starting at $2,495
- Introduced the graphical user interface (GUI) and the mouse
- Targeted at creative professionals, with a focus on ease of use and design
- Positioned as a premium alternative to IBM-compatible PCs
- iMac G3 (1998) – Starting at $1,299
- Bold, colorful design in an all-in-one form factor
- Marked a shift towards simplicity and user-friendly features
- Emphasized the importance of the internet in computing
- MacBook Pro (2006) – Starting at $1,999
- Replaced the PowerBook G4, moving from PowerPC to Intel processors
- High-performance laptops aimed at professionals and power users
- Positioned as a premium offering in the laptop market
- iPhone (2007) – Starting at $499
- Revolutionary touchscreen smartphone that changed the mobile industry
- Combined a phone, iPod, and internet device into one sleek package
- Brought Apple’s premium pricing strategy to the mobile phone market
- iPad (2010) – Starting at $499
- Pioneered the tablet market with a focus on content consumption
- Offered a premium alternative to netbooks and e-readers
- Extended Apple’s premium pricing strategy to the tablet market
As we can see, Apple’s pricing strategy has generally focused on delivering premium products with unique features and designs.
While prices have fluctuated over time, Apple has consistently positioned its devices as high-end offerings that cater to those willing to pay a premium for innovative technology and exceptional user experience.
This approach has helped Apple maintain its status as one of the most recognizable and valuable brands in the tech industry.
Impact of Inflation on Historical Prices
To truly understand the cost of the first Apple computer and subsequent models, it’s important to consider the impact of inflation on historical prices.
Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time, meaning that a dollar today doesn’t buy as much as it once did. To put the cost of Apple’s early computers into perspective, let’s adjust the prices for inflation and see how they compare to today’s prices.
| Product | Release Year | Original Price | Inflation-Adjusted Price (2023) |
| Apple I | 1976 | $666.66 | $3,304.09 |
| Apple II | 1977 | $1,298 | $6,433.12 |
| Macintosh | 1984 | $2,495 | $7,366.00 |
| iMac G3 | 1998 | $1,299 | $2,391.62 |
| MacBook Pro | 2006 | $1,999 | $2,969.77 |
| iPhone | 2007 | $499 | $720.51 |
| iPad | 2010 | $499 | $688.59 |
(Note: The inflation-adjusted prices are calculated using the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index inflation calculator.)
When we look at the inflation-adjusted prices, it’s evident that the Apple I was quite expensive for its time, costing over $3,304 in today’s dollars. As Apple continued to develop new products and technologies, they managed to offer more advanced devices at relatively lower prices.
For example, the original Macintosh cost over $7,300 in today’s dollars, while the iMac G3 was considerably more affordable at around $2,400.
By comparing these inflation-adjusted prices, we can better appreciate the value of Apple’s early products, like the MacBook Pro, and the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and technological advancements.
It’s interesting to see how far we’ve come in terms of technology and pricing since the release of the first Apple computer, and it makes us wonder what the future holds for Apple and the tech industry as a whole.
Comparing the Apple I to Today’s Mac Computers
The Apple I was a groundbreaking invention in its time, but how does it stack up against the modern Mac computers we use today?
For starters, the Apple I sold for $666.66, which would be around $3,300 adjusted for inflation. In comparison, the latest MacBook Air starts at $999, while the MacBook Pro lineup ranges from $1,299 to $2,399.
With advanced processors, Retina displays, and sleek designs, today’s Mac computers like the MacBook Pro offer significantly more value for the money.
Conclusion: Appreciating Apple’s Journey
As we take a step back and admire the incredible journey Apple has been on, it’s evident that the company has come a long way since the days of the Apple I.
From a humble beginning in a garage to a global technology powerhouse, Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. The Apple I was just the beginning of a revolution that would transform the tech industry and the way we interact with computers forever.
So, the next time you power on your sleek MacBook or iMac, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and the pioneering spirit that brought us to where we are today.
Here’s a great Apple I computer demo, one of 57 working Apple I computers today:
FAQs
How did the Apple I compare to other computers at the time?
The Apple I was relatively affordable and user-friendly compared to other computers at the time, making it appealing to hobbyists and enthusiasts.
What were the main features of the Apple I?
The main features of the Apple I included a MOS 6502 processor, 8KB of RAM, and the ability to connect to a TV or monitor for display.
How many Apple I computers were sold?
Approximately 200 Apple I computers were produced and sold, with around 175 units actually finding their way to customers.
Are any Apple I computers on display in museums?
Several Apple I computers are on display in museums, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.
