Apple I

The Apple Computer 1 (Apple-1), often referred to as the Apple I(written with a Roman numeral), is an 8-bit personal computer designed by Steve Wozniak and introduced by the Apple Computer Company (now Apple Inc.) in 1976. It was the company's first product and laid the foundation for what would become one of the world's largest technology companies. The idea of founding the company and marketing the computer came from Wozniak's friend and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Unlike most contemporary hobbyist computers, which were sold as kits requiring assembly, the Apple-1 was delivered as a pre-assembled motherboard with built-in video display terminal circuitry. This allowed it to connect directly to a household television using a composite video cable, eliminating the need for an expensive external terminal. Users still had to supply a case, power supply, and keyboard. Powered by the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, it was among the earliest personal computers to offer these capabilities, alongside the Sol-20. After demonstrating a prototype at the Homebrew Computer Club, Jobs secured an order for 50 computers from the Byte Shop, enabling production of the Apple-1. It was discontinued on September 30, 1977, following the introduction of the Apple II. Because relatively few Apple-1 computers were produced and its status as Apple's first product, surviving Apple I units are now displayed in computer museums and demand high prices at auction.