Apple has consistently set the benchmark for premium technology with its innovative and high-quality products. Over the years, the company has introduced a range of devices that not only pushed the boundaries of technology but also came with hefty price tags. In this article, we explore the 17 most expensive Apple products ever made, delving into their unique features, historical significance, and the reasons behind their high costs.
Apple Lisa (1983) – $9,995
The Apple Lisa was one of the first personal computers to offer a graphical user interface (GUI). Released in 1983, it was priced at a staggering $9,995, equivalent to over $25,000 today. The Lisa was aimed at business users and featured advanced technology for its time, including a mouse and a robust file management system. Despite its high cost, the Lisa’s innovative features paved the way for future Apple products.
Macintosh Portable (1989) – $6,500
The Macintosh Portable was Apple’s first attempt at creating a portable computer. Released in 1989, it cost $6,500, a significant amount for the era. This hefty device weighed 16 pounds but offered an impressive 10-hour battery life. It featured a monochrome active matrix LCD, which was revolutionary at the time, providing sharp and clear text and graphics.
Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (1997) – $7,499
The Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (TAM) was a limited-edition computer released in 1997 to celebrate Apple’s 20th anniversary. Priced at $7,499, it featured a unique design with a vertically mounted CD drive and a Bose sound system. The TAM was marketed as a luxury item, complete with a concierge-style delivery service. Despite its high price, it became a collector’s item due to its rarity and distinctive look.
Power Macintosh G3 (1997) – $5,600
Released in 1997, the Power Macintosh G3 was a high-performance desktop computer designed for professional users. With a starting price of $5,600, it featured the new PowerPC G3 processor, which significantly boosted performance. The G3’s expandable design allowed users to upgrade the system, making it a popular choice for graphic designers and video editors.
iMac Pro (2017) – $13,199
The iMac Pro, introduced in 2017, was Apple’s most powerful all-in-one desktop. With a starting price of $4,999, fully upgraded models could cost up to $13,199. It was designed for professionals who needed high performance for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. The iMac Pro featured a 27-inch Retina 5K display, up to 18-core Intel Xeon processors, and advanced graphics capabilities.
Mac Pro (2019) – $52,599
The 2019 Mac Pro is one of Apple’s most expensive and customizable computers. Starting at $5,999, a fully loaded model with maximum configurations could cost $52,599. This powerhouse machine was designed for professionals requiring extreme performance, offering up to 28-core Intel Xeon processors, 1.5TB of RAM, and advanced graphics options. Its modular design allowed for extensive upgrades and customizations.
iPhone X (256GB) – $1,149
The iPhone X, released in 2017, marked a significant design change for Apple’s flagship smartphone. Priced at $1,149 for the 256GB model, it featured an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and no home button. The iPhone X set the standard for future iPhone designs and introduced several advanced technologies that have become standard in smartphones today.
MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) – $6,099
The 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro, with its fully loaded configuration, costs up to $6,099. It features Apple’s M1 Max chip, providing exceptional performance and efficiency. This model is aimed at professionals needing high computing power for tasks such as video editing, software development, and graphic design. Its Liquid Retina XDR display, advanced thermal system, and extensive ports make it a versatile and powerful tool.
Apple II (1977) – $1,298
The Apple II, released in 1977, was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers. Priced at $1,298, it became popular in homes, schools, and businesses. The Apple II’s success was due to its user-friendly design, expandability, and vast library of software. It played a crucial role in establishing Apple as a major player in the computer industry.
Apple III (1980) – $4,340
The Apple III, released in 1980, was intended to be a business-oriented successor to the Apple II. Priced at $4,340, it featured advanced hardware and software integration. Despite its innovative design, the Apple III faced significant reliability issues, leading to poor sales. However, it remains a notable part of Apple’s history due to its ambitious goals and design.
iPhone 6s Plus (128GB) – $949
The iPhone 6s Plus, released in 2015, was priced at $949 for the 128GB model. It introduced 3D Touch, which allowed users to interact with the screen in new ways. The 6s Plus also featured an improved camera system, faster performance, and better battery life compared to its predecessors, making it a popular choice among iPhone users.
Apple I (1976) – $666.66
The Apple I, Apple’s first product, was priced at $666.66 when it was released in 1976. This barebones computer kit required users to add their own case, power supply, keyboard, and display. Despite its simplicity, the Apple I’s historical significance and rarity have made it a highly sought-after collector’s item, with units selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions.
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 1TB, 2021) – $2,399
The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 1TB of storage and cellular connectivity costs $2,399. It features Apple’s M1 chip, a Liquid Retina XDR display, and advanced camera systems. The iPad Pro is designed for creative professionals and power users who need a portable device with desktop-class performance and capabilities.
iPhone 12 Pro Max (512GB) – $1,399
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in 2020, is the most expensive model in the iPhone 12 lineup, with the 512GB version priced at $1,399. It features a Super Retina XDR display, advanced camera system with LiDAR scanner, and 5G connectivity. The 12 Pro Max is aimed at users who demand the best in terms of performance, camera quality, and display technology.
MacBook Air (2020, Fully Loaded) – $2,249
The 2020 MacBook Air, when fully loaded with the maximum configuration, costs up to $2,249. It features Apple’s M1 chip, which delivers significant performance improvements and energy efficiency. The MacBook Air’s lightweight design, long battery life, and powerful performance make it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a portable yet capable laptop.
Apple Newton (1993) – $1,000
The Apple Newton, released in 1993, was an early attempt at creating a personal digital assistant (PDA). Priced at $1,000, it featured handwriting recognition and a stylus. Despite its innovative features, the Newton struggled with accuracy issues and failed to gain widespread adoption. However, it laid the groundwork for future mobile devices and remains a notable part of Apple’s history.
iPod Classic (2009, 160GB) – $399
The iPod Classic, released in 2009, was the last of the classic iPod line and featured 160GB of storage for $399. It could hold up to 40,000 songs, making it a favorite among music enthusiasts. The iPod Classic’s iconic click wheel, robust design, and large storage capacity made it a beloved device and a significant part of Apple’s legacy in the portable music industry.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org
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