One of the first Apple computers ever produced has hit auction. The Apple-1 computer is based on a prototype designed by Steve Jobs and and features components hand-soldered by Steve Wozniak, who founded the iconic tech company along with Jobs.
The two company founders reputedly gave a demonstration of the device to computer shop boss Paul Terrell way back in 1976. That demonstration helped Apple secure its first major order.
The prototype is now being sold by auction house RR Auction. Bidding began on the one-of-a-kind item last Wednesday and at the time of publication, the top bid is $278,005 - equivalent to around £230,193. However, if past auctions of rare and historic Apple hardware are anything to go by, the lot could fetch up to half a million dollars - or roughly £414,000 - by the time bidding ends.
According to the listing, the auction is due to end on August 18.
But any prospective buyers should know that the item does not come in pristine condition. Given its age, the prototype includes "a crack that runs from adjacent to the power supply area" according to the auction website.
However, "Few Apple artefacts could be considered as rare, early, or historic as this Apple-1 prototype, which spent many years on the 'Apple Garage' property," according to the listing.
In one of the most recent auctions of products of this type, a similar Apple-1 went under the hammer for £389,169 in London back in 2020. You can view the listing here.
