If you or your family have been buying Apple products for decades, you might end up paying off.Apple products aren't known for being cheap, but they hold their value pretty well.And that's even more true when it comes to retro Apple products.
Some classic Apple devices can even sell for thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.Here are seven retro Apple products that might finally make you money.Let's take a look together:
7. iMac G3: $300
The iMac has a long history, and this story begins with the iMac G3. First released in 1998, the iMac quickly captured the hearts of many.In an era when the word "computer" immediately conjured up bland beige desktop towers, the iMac G3 had a unique, sleek form factor and came in 13 different colors.
Although the iMac G3 was a huge success at the time, technology developed so quickly that many people ended up throwing their old iMacs away.However, the recent wave of nostalgia for Apple's classic products is driving the value of these little computers up. The iMac G3 regularly sells for $300 or more on eBay, and prices are expected to continue to rise.
6. Apple Macintosh: USD 500
The original Macintosh, released in 1984, was one of Apple's most important products ever.Without the first Macintosh, there would be no MacBook, no iMac, and no macOS.Or, there may be no apples at all.
When developing the Macintosh, Apple didn't make the same mistakes as the Apple Lisa, which we'll get to shortly.Compared to the Lisa, the Macintosh is more compact, easier to use, and probably most importantly, cheaper.This made the Macintosh a huge success, which is why modern Apple computers are still called "Macs".
The legend of the original Macintosh lives on, and these vintage computers can command great prices on the antique and second-hand markets.A working Apple Macintosh 128k can fetch $500 or more on eBay.
5. iBook G3: $2,500
iBook G3 Released in 1999, it grabbed attention in a way that few laptops can.Affectionately dubbed the "Clamshell Laptop," it didn't look like any other laptop then and now.With its bright plastic trim and rounded shapes, it gained a lot of attention in the late 90s or 2000s.It's so ugly that it's beautiful.
You can find plenty of iBook G3s on eBay for a few hundred dollars, with models in less common colors going for even more.But if you have an unopened model, or a rare "POP ART II" colorway, you might end up parting ways with it for over $2,500.
4. Original iPod: $20,000
When the first-generation iPod hit store shelves in 2001, it changed the way we listen to music, and it changed the way we look at technology as a whole. The iPod isn't just a music player, it's a cultural phenomenon. The iPod ran for more than two decades until Apple finally stopped iPod production in 2022.While that meant there were no more new iPods, it sent the price of vintage iPods skyrocketing.
If you have an original iPod in good condition, expect to sell it for over $100.If you're a collector, though, factory-sealed first-generation iPods can end up selling for over $2 on eBay.
3. Original iPhone: $20,000
Released in 2007, the original iPhone changed the world by combining a music player, web browser and phone into one simple and easy-to-use package.While at launch, you could get one for just $499 with a two-year contract, now, if you want to buy a brand new iPhone 2G, expect to spend more.
You can find an unopened original iPhone on eBay for over $20,000.But if you're desperate to get an original iPhone and don't have $2 to spare, don't worry.You can easily find used models available for under $100.They may not be in perfect condition, but this is your chance to have a piece of history.
2. Apple Lisa: $36,000
You might be surprised to learn that not all Apple products are hugely successful. The Apple Lisa is a good example. Lisa debuted in 1983 and quickly became known as Apple's massive commercial failure.
In an era when you needed to know basic coding to operate a computer, the Apple Lisa was one of the first personal computers to feature a mouse and a graphical user interface.This was a big achievement for 1983.That being said, the Lisa's hefty $9,995 price tag puts it completely out of the reach of most people.It's just too expensive.
While the sales numbers for the Apple Lisa have collapsed, for many, it only adds to its allure.Apple doesn't make many of the Lisa due to its low sales, making it a very rare and collectible item.In 2013, an Apple Lisa sold for $36356 at auction, according to Live Auctions.
1. Apple 1: $900,000
When it comes to retro Apple products, the Apple 1 is the standout.The Apple 1 isn't just a retro tech gadget, it's a piece of history.The first Apple 1 computers were actually hand-assembled by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak himself.The Apple 1 was never cheap, it was originally sold in 1976 for $666.66.That's about $3,200 today.That said, prices can now reach absolutely crazy levels.
In 2014, Bonhams sold one of the earliest Apple 90.5s for a whopping $1.There are only about 200 Apple 1s, but if you're lucky enough to have one by your side, it could mean a lifetime's worth.
Will your iPhone be a future classic?
While some vintage apple products can sell for big bucks, keep in mind that the value of anything depends on condition, rarity, and demand.The most valuable collectibles -- Apple products or not -- are almost always those that are unused and unopened.If you're like most people who buy Apple products to use, not as an investment for future generations, don't expect to make a fortune from them.
Even if you don't own some decades-old, ultra-rare Apple products that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, your current iPhone or MacBook could be valuable in the future.Remember, one person's trash is another person's wealth.
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