Bonhams Will Auction Rare Signed Apple-1 in October
A verified 1976 Apple-1 will head to auction in New York alongside other early prototypes from the company.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Computers
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Beginning October 4, 2026, Bonhams will auction a signed Apple-1 computer, widely known as the Hatfield Apple-1. This machine is one of fewer than 75 verified survivors of the original 1976 production run.
Why it matters
The sale highlights the enduring value of early home computing hardware and the historical rarity of systems produced during the company's foundational year. It also showcases the market trajectory for preserved prototypes versus mass-produced units.
The Hatfield Apple-1, registered as No. 48, is expected to fetch between $500,000 and $800,000. In comparison, an Apple Paladin prototype is estimated at $40,000 to $60,000, while a Macintosh Portable prototype is valued between $10,000 and $15,000.
The players
Bonhams
An international auction house that facilitates the sale of fine art, antiques, and high-value historical technology.
Steve Wozniak
The co-founder of Apple who served as the primary architect and engineer of the early Apple-1 system.
Steve Jobs
The co-founder of Apple who focused on the company's product strategy and early marketing efforts.
The details
The Apple-1 was originally built in 1976 and features a signature from co-founder Steve Wozniak. The machine's historical significance is underlined by an offer made by Steve Jobs in 1978, who sought to trade the unit for a then-new Apple II. The hardware will be available for public viewing in San Francisco before the auction occurs in New York.
Timeline
1976: Wozniak built the Apple-1.
1978: Jobs offered a trade-in for an Apple II.
September 30 through October 1, 2026: The Apple-1 will be on view in San Francisco.
October 4 through October 14, 2026: The auction and New York display will occur.
The Tech Race
The sale follows established patterns set by the Apple-1 Registry for tracking authentic, surviving 1976 hardware. This auction marks a continued focus on provenance among collectors, setting a high valuation ceiling compared to later prototypes like the Paladin or Macintosh Portable.
Potential collectors and industry historians can view the unit in San Francisco from September 30 through October 1, 2026. The final auction in New York runs from October 4 through October 14, 2026, determining the market value for this specific verified specimen.
The takeaway
The Hatfield Apple-1 represents a rare moment in hardware history where the original build remains authenticated by the designer. Collectors should track the final sale results on October 14, 2026, to understand current market benchmarks for Apple-1 units.
Further reading
For more on the evolution of early computing, visit our page on Computers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ARTnews.
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