A working Apple-1 computer is heading to auction next month, and collectors with deep pockets are preparing to bid. This machine represents a rare chance to own a piece of personal computing history that directly influenced the industry. Sotheby's is listing the unit as part of a specialized sale focused on the history of science and technology.
Rare 1976 machine includes original keyboard and cassette deck
The specific unit up for sale carries serial number 01-0033 and was manufactured in 1976. The unit is part of the initial group of 50 machines that were manually assembled by Steve Wozniak. The current owner, Harry Sadler, acquired the computer from the Byte Shop shortly after its release.
Apple-1 Auction Details
- Serial Number: 01-0033
- Year of Manufacture: 1976
- Included Accessories: Keyboard, cassette deck, vintage monitor
- Estimate: $300,000 – $500,000
- Auction Date: July 15, 2026
Sotheby's estimates the machine will sell for between $300,000 and $500,000. The sale includes a complete set of original accessories that define the era. Buyers will receive a keyboard, a cassette deck, a vintage monitor, and various software on cassettes. The package also contains the original Apple-1 Operation Manual, an In-house copy of the Apple Basic Manual, and a Microchess manual.
The auction takes place on July 15, 2026, at Sotheby's saleroom in New York. The event begins at 14:00 EDT and is part of the History of Science & Technology sale. Sotheby's describes the collection as "One of 50: The First Computer Apple Ever Sold." This sale confirms the market value for surviving examples of the first Apple product.
We tracked this auction as a key moment for vintage hardware preservation. The availability of a complete, working unit from the first batch highlights the enduring value of early personal computers. Collectors can now acquire a fully documented piece of Apple's origins.
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