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Apple-1 sets a new record at $1,148,200 after a rejected upgrade

An Apple-1 computer sold at auction has set a new record of $1,148,200. The same machine last sold in 2013 for $686,000. It comes complete with a letter which, thankfully, the original owner ignored …

The machine is known as the “Hatfield” Apple-1, after the name of the original owner, Fred Hatfield. The motherboard was signed by Steve Wozniak, and it came with a letter signed by Steve Jobs.

Thankfully for Hatfield, he rejected the offer made in that letter, which was to trade in the machine for an Apple II. Steve made the offer after Hatfield wrote to Apple complaining about the limited software options for the machine.

The fact that the machine is in full working order and can be traced back to its original purchaser added significant appeal, but the increase over the price achieved back in 2013 points to their continuing appreciating value.

The Hatfield Apple-1 sold in an online auction by Bonhams.

Photo: Bonhams

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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