Apple is known for its innovation, sleek design, and the ability to create products that become cultural icons. Over the years, certain vintage Apple products have become highly sought after by collectors, some of which are now worth a small fortune. From early computers to rare prototypes, these items not only hold significant historical value but have also become incredibly valuable on the resale market. If you have any old Apple devices gathering dust, you might want to think twice before getting rid of them — they could be worth thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars!
In this article, we’ll explore the most valuable vintage Apple products that are worth a fortune today, and what makes these items so desirable to collectors.
Table of Contents
1. Apple I (1976)
Estimated Value: $300,000 – $700,000+
At the top of the list is the Apple I, the very first product sold by Apple Computer, Inc., back in 1976. Designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak, only 200 units were ever made, and fewer than 70 are thought to still exist today. The Apple I was originally sold as a bare circuit board for $666.66, with buyers needing to provide their own case, keyboard, and monitor.
In recent years, fully working Apple I computers have fetched astronomical sums at auction, with some selling for over $700,000. Even non-working models, or those missing original components, can still be worth hundreds of thousands due to their rarity and historical significance.
What Makes It Valuable:
- Historical significance: It’s the first product ever sold by Apple and one of the earliest personal computers.
- Rarity: With fewer than 70 known to exist, it’s one of the rarest collectible computers in the world.
- Connection to Apple’s founders: Each unit was built by hand by Steve Wozniak, with support from Steve Jobs.
Collectible Highlights:
- Working units with original documentation and peripherals are the most valuable.
- Non-working units or partial systems can still be worth a fortune.
2. Apple Lisa (1983)
Estimated Value: $20,000 – $50,000+
The Apple Lisa was one of the first personal computers to feature a graphical user interface (GUI), along with a mouse for navigating the system. It was an ambitious project but a commercial failure due to its high price and limited software support. Originally priced at $9,995, the Lisa was far too expensive for the average consumer, leading to poor sales.
However, its technological innovations and scarcity make it highly collectible today. Particularly, the Lisa 1, the original version of the computer, is much rarer and more valuable than the later Lisa 2. Working units with original peripherals are highly sought after by collectors, and prices have steadily risen over the years.
What Makes It Valuable:
- Technological firsts: The Lisa was groundbreaking, introducing features like the GUI and mouse, which would later be standard in personal computing.
- Rarity: Few units were sold, and many were disposed of after the Lisa’s commercial failure, making surviving models quite rare.
Collectible Highlights:
- The Lisa 1 with its original “Twiggy” drives is more valuable than the Lisa 2.
- Units with original peripherals, such as the mouse and keyboard, fetch higher prices.
3. Apple II (1977)
Estimated Value: $2,500 – $10,000+
The Apple II was the company’s first major commercial success and is considered one of the most important computers in history. Released in 1977, the Apple II was one of the first personal computers targeted at the general consumer market, and it became widely used in schools, homes, and businesses. It was also the first “killer app” platform, thanks to programs like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet software.
Original, fully functional Apple II models in good condition can be quite valuable, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000 for complete sets with peripherals and original packaging.
What Makes It Valuable:
- Historical significance: The Apple II was one of the first widely successful personal computers.
- Collector appeal: Early models, especially those with intact packaging and peripherals, are highly collectible.
Collectible Highlights:
- The earliest models of the Apple II, especially with accessories like the Disk II drive and original documentation, are the most valuable.
- Factory-sealed models can command premium prices.
4. Apple Macintosh 128K (1984)
Estimated Value: $1,500 – $5,000+
The Macintosh 128K, released in 1984, was the first Macintosh computer, famous for its revolutionary design and graphical user interface. The Macintosh 128K was introduced during Apple’s iconic “1984” commercial, which aired during the Super Bowl. The computer helped redefine personal computing and set the stage for the Macintosh line that still exists today.
Although not as rare as the Apple I or Lisa, the 128K is still highly valuable, especially early production models or units that come with original accessories and manuals.
What Makes It Valuable:
- First of its kind: It’s the original Macintosh, which became the foundation for Apple’s modern computing line.
- Design icon: Its compact design and GUI were revolutionary at the time.
Collectible Highlights:
- Early production models, particularly those that come with original packaging, are highly collectible.
- Limited edition models or early prototypes can command higher prices.
5. Apple Macintosh SE/30 (1989)
Estimated Value: $1,000 – $4,000+
The Macintosh SE/30 is one of the most powerful and versatile compact Macs ever made. Released in 1989, it featured a Motorola 68030 processor, making it one of the fastest Macs of its time. It was also the first compact Mac to support up to 128 MB of RAM, making it popular among professionals and enthusiasts.
The SE/30 has developed a cult following among vintage Mac collectors, thanks to its expandability and versatility. Units in good working condition, especially those with original peripherals and packaging, can sell for several thousand dollars.
What Makes It Valuable:
- Performance: One of the fastest and most powerful Macs of its time.
- Collector appeal: Its iconic compact design and expandability make it popular among retro computing enthusiasts.
Collectible Highlights:
- Working units with original accessories and clean, unyellowed cases are the most desirable.
- Adding rare peripherals, such as a matching external hard drive, can increase the value.
6. Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (1997)
Estimated Value: $1,000 – $4,000+
The Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (TAM) was released in 1997 to commemorate Apple’s 20th anniversary. It was an innovative, all-in-one system with a luxury design, featuring built-in Bose speakers and a flat-panel display, which was ahead of its time. The TAM was a limited-edition product and had an original retail price of $7,499, making it more of a status symbol than a mainstream computer.
Today, the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh is a rare and highly collectible piece of Apple history. Its unique design and limited production make it one of the more valuable vintage Apple computers, especially when complete with all original accessories.
What Makes It Valuable:
- Unique design: The TAM was unlike any other computer of its time, combining luxury with technology.
- Limited production: It was produced in limited quantities, making it rare and desirable among collectors.
Collectible Highlights:
- Complete sets with the original keyboard, mouse, and packaging are the most valuable.
- Working condition and minimal cosmetic wear are important for value.
7. iPod Classic (1st Generation, 2001)
Estimated Value: $500 – $2,000+
While not a computer, the iPod Classic deserves a spot on this list due to its cultural and technological impact. Released in 2001, the first-generation iPod revolutionized the way people listened to music, and it became one of Apple’s most iconic products. The original iPod featured a mechanical scroll wheel and 5GB of storage, which could hold about 1,000 songs.
Original iPods in factory-sealed condition are especially valuable, with some selling for over $2,000. Even used first-generation models in good condition can still fetch several hundred dollars due to their nostalgic appeal.
What Makes It Valuable:
- Cultural significance: The iPod transformed the music industry and cemented Apple’s dominance in consumer electronics.
- Nostalgia: Many collectors see the first-generation iPod as a landmark product that changed their relationship with music.
Collectible Highlights:
- Factory-sealed or mint-condition models command the highest prices.
- Units that still work and have minimal cosmetic wear are sought after by collectors.
8. Apple Newton MessagePad 100 (1993)
Estimated Value: $300 – $1,000+
The Apple Newton MessagePad 100 was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs) and a precursor to modern smartphones and tablets. Although it was initially seen as a failure due to its poor handwriting recognition, the Newton has since gained a cult following for its role in the development of portable computing.
Collectors are particularly interested in early models like the MessagePad 100. While not as valuable as some of Apple’s other vintage products, a well-preserved Newton with original packaging can still fetch a decent price.
What Makes It Valuable:
- Historical importance: It was one of the first handheld computers and a precursor to the iPhone and iPad.
- Collector interest: The Newton has developed a niche following among Apple collectors.
Collectible Highlights:
- Models in excellent working condition with original accessories and manuals are the most desirable.
Final Thoughts: The Value of Vintage Apple Products
Vintage Apple products are not just pieces of technology — they are part of computing history. Their sleek design, technological innovation, and connection to Apple’s rise to global dominance make them highly collectible. If you own one of these devices, it may be worth checking its current value on the market, as the demand for vintage Apple products continues to rise.
Whether you have an old Apple I or a first-generation iPod stored away, you could be sitting on a piece of history that’s worth a fortune today.