A rare, fully functional Apple-1 computer has sold for a record $1.15 million at auction. Known as the “Hatfield” Apple-1, the machine sparked intense bidding between two buyers for nearly 28 minutes. Its historic significance and connection to Apple’s founders helped drive the final price.
The computer carries the signature of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who designed its hardware in 1976. Fellow co-founder Steve Jobs helped bring the machine to market through sales and marketing. The sale also included a letter Jobs wrote and signed in 1978 for the computer’s original owner, Fred Hatfield, offering to upgrade his new Apple II computer.
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The collection featured the Apple-1’s original operating manual, hardware components and a typed invitation to join the Apple-1 Owners Club. According to the Apple-1 Registry, the machine holds the listing number 48. Fewer than 75 Apple-1 computers are known to survive worldwide, making the collection especially valuable to collectors.
Apple introduced the Apple-1 in 1976 as its first product, marking an important moment in the development of personal computing. Decades later, surviving machines remain highly sought after because of their rarity and links to the company’s early history. Original documents and memorabilia connected to Jobs and Wozniak add further significance to such collections.
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Auction house Bonhams said the record-setting sale took place during the year of Apple’s 50th anniversary. The milestone has renewed attention on artefacts from the company’s early years and their growing appeal among technology collectors. The sale also highlights the lasting market value of products that helped shape the personal computer industry.