# Apple II series

> computer series by Apple, 1977–1993

**Wikidata**: [Q201652](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q201652)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apple-ii-series

## Summary
The Apple II series is a line of home and personal computers developed by Apple Inc. from 1977 to 1993. It was the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer product, designed primarily by Steve Wozniak. The series includes multiple models such as the Apple II, II Plus, IIe, IIc, and IIGS.

## Key Facts
- Launched in 1977 at the West Coast Computer Faire
- Designed by Steve Wozniak and manufactured by Apple Inc.
- CPU: MOS Technology 6502 8-bit microprocessor
- Operating system: Apple DOS (later GS/OS for IIGS)
- Production run: 1977–1993 (16 years)
- Followed by: Apple III
- Preceded by: Apple I
- Part of: Home computer and personal computer categories
- Aliases include: Apple ][ series, Apple II j-plus, Apple II plus, Apple 2, Apple //, AppleII

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Apple II series?
A: The Apple II series was a line of home and personal computers created by Apple Inc. from 1977 to 1993, designed by Steve Wozniak. It was one of the first successful mass-produced microcomputers.

### Q: Who designed the Apple II series?
A: Steve Wozniak designed the Apple II series, with Steve Jobs overseeing the development and marketing.

### Q: What operating system did the Apple II series use?
A: The Apple II series primarily used Apple DOS as its operating system, with later models like the IIGS supporting GS/OS.

## Why It Matters
The Apple II series revolutionized personal computing by making computers accessible to home users and small businesses. It established Apple as a major technology company and created the foundation for the personal computer industry. The series' open architecture encouraged software development and hardware expansion, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of applications and peripherals. Its success demonstrated that personal computers could be both powerful and user-friendly, influencing computer design for decades to come. The Apple II series also played a crucial role in education, with many schools adopting it for computer literacy programs.

## Notable For
- First highly successful mass-produced microcomputer product
- Pioneered the concept of color graphics in personal computers
- Created one of the first software ecosystems with thousands of applications
- Introduced expansion slots for hardware customization
- Established Apple as a dominant force in the personal computer market

## Body
### Development and Launch
The Apple II series was introduced in April 1977 at the West Coast Computer Faire, where it was presented alongside other early personal computers. Steve Wozniak designed the system while Steve Jobs focused on the case design and marketing strategy.

### Technical Specifications
The series was built around the MOS Technology 6502 processor running at 1 MHz. Early models included 4 KB of RAM, expandable to 48 KB. The computers featured color graphics capabilities, sound generation, and eight expansion slots for adding peripherals.

### Models in the Series
- Apple II (1977): Original model with cassette interface
- Apple II Plus (1979): Added Applesoft BASIC in ROM
- Apple IIe (1983): Enhanced IIe with improved keyboard and compatibility
- Apple IIc (1984): Portable version with built-in peripherals
- Apple IIGS (1986): 16-bit model with enhanced graphics and sound

### Software and Applications
The Apple II series ran Apple DOS initially, later supporting ProDOS and GS/OS on advanced models. It supported a vast library of software including business applications, educational programs, and games. Popular titles included VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, and various educational software.

### Market Impact
The Apple II series dominated the home computer market throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was particularly successful in education and small business markets, establishing Apple's reputation for quality and innovation in personal computing.

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## References

1. [Source](http://apple2history.org/history/ah04/)
2. [Source](https://www.cnet.com/news/the-untold-story-behind-apples-13000-operating-system/)
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20130403083337/http://www.digibarn.com/collections///business-docs/apple-II-DOS/index.html)
4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20130725020604/http://www.laughton.com/Apple/Apple.html)
5. [Source](https://www.computerhistory.org/tdih/June/10/)
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. [Source](https://archive.ph/q11rX)
8. Quora