The Apple II, also known as the Apple ][, was a groundbreaking home computer that revolutionized the industry and made computing accessible to the masses. Designed by Steve Wozniak and approved by Steve Jobs, the Apple II was one of the first 8-bit home computers to be widely successful worldwide.
The Apple II was first introduced at the West Coast Computer Faire on April 16, 1977, where it received rave reviews and quickly became a hit with consumers. It was also the first consumer product sold by Apple Computer, Inc. The Apple II model was in production until November 1993, proving its lasting popularity and impact on the industry.
In 1979, the Apple II Plus was released as the successor to the original Apple II. Today, the Apple II is 47 years old and its legacy lives on as it paved the way for the personal computer revolution and the development of future Apple products. It’s a reminder of the innovation and creativity that has come to define the Apple brand and continue to shape the technology industry.
Apple II Details
| Introduced | April 16, 1977 – 47 years ago |
| Released | June 10, 1977 – 47 years ago |
| Discontinued | June 1, 1979 – 45 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 23 months |
| Original Price | $1,298 (with 4 KB memory) $2,638 (with 48 KB memory) |
| Colors | Beige |
| Weight | 11.5 Ibs. 5.216 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 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 |
| 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 | 8 KB |
Connections
| Cassette | 1 – in1 – 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) |
| 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 3.1 (after June 1978) |
| Firmware | Apple Integer BASIC |
Power
| Line Voltage | 110 or 110 / 220V AC |
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