In the world of personal computers, there are a few models that stand out as true icons of the industry. One of these is the Apple II Plus, also known as the Apple ][+. First introduced on June 1st, 1979, this computer was designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple as part of their Apple II series.
With a price point of $1,195, the Apple II Plus featured a 1 MHz MOS Technology 6502 processor, Apple DOS 3.2 and Applesoft BASIC, 12 KB ROM, and a built-in keyboard. These specifications made it a powerful and versatile computer that could handle a wide range of applications, from business to education.
The Apple II Plus quickly became a hit in the US market, and Apple decided to expand its reach to Europe and the Far East. In these markets, the computer was sold under different names, such as the Apple II Europlus and the J-Plus. Additionally, Apple also partnered with Bell & Howell to expand into the education market, selling a modified version of the computer under a special license.
Despite its success, the Apple II Plus was eventually discontinued on December 1st, 1982. It was replaced by the Apple IIe, which featured many improvements and new features.
However, the Apple II Plus will always hold a special place in the history of personal computers as one of the first models that truly made computing accessible to the masses. Today, the Apple II Plus is 45 years old, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of computer enthusiasts.
Apple II Plus Details
| Introduced | June 1, 1979 – 45 years ago |
| Discontinued | December 1, 1982 – 41 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 54 months (4 years) |
| Order Number | A2S1016 (16 KB memory) A2S1032 (32 KB memory) A2S1048 (48 KB memory) |
| Original Price | $1,195 (with 16 KB memory) $1,295 (with 48 KB memory) $1,395 (with 48 KB memory) |
| Colors | Beige |
| Weight | 11.5 Ibs. 5.21 KG |
| Dimensions | 4.25” H x 15.25” W x 18” D 10.79 cm H x 38.73 cm W x 45.72 cm D |
Apple II Plus Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | MOS Technology 6502 |
| Speed | 1 MHz |
| Architecture | 8-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 1 MHz |
Memory
| Storage | None |
| Built-in Memory | None |
| Maximum Memory | 48 KB or 64 KB which Language Card |
| Memory Slots | 24 sockets in 3 rows for 16-pin 4 KB (4096, 2104 type) or 16 KB (4116, 2116 type) modules |
| Memory minimum speed | 350 ns |
| ROM | 12 KB |
Connections
| Cassette | 1 – in 1 – out at 1500 bps |
| Game | 1 – internal 16-pin GAME I/O |
| Display Connection | 1 – RCA composite positive video |
| Display | 1 – RCA for composite video output (Display resolution 40 x 48 – 16 colors or 280 x 192 – 6 colors) |
| Text Display | 40 characters per row (max. 24 rows) |
| Audio Out | 1 – Built-in 8-ohm speaker |
Expansion
| Slots | 8 – 50-pin Apple II peripheral |
Accessories
| Keyboard | Built-in 52-key uppercase keyboard |
| Media | Cassette Interface or Disk II floppy drive (Optional) |
Software
| Software | Apple DOS 3.2 (initially optional; later included) |
| Firmware | Applesoft BASIC |
Power
| Line Voltage | 110 or 110/220V AC |
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
