Nikole Stewart
When you think about high-tech gadgets, your mind probably goes to Apple, like iPhones and MacBooks. And while those are expensive tech, the brand also has old items that are still incredibly valuable. Let’s dive through history to learn about these early Apple gadgets that are worth money, from computers to iPods.
5. iBook G3 Clamshell
Among the iconic list of computers by Apple, the iBook G3 Clamshell is amongst them. They stand out for their unique design, and interestingly enough, it was Apple’s first consumer laptop, as well as the first laptop to feature Wi-Fi. The laptop is known for its case that features vibrant colors, including key lime and tangerine. And when it comes to early Apple gadgets worth a lot of money, these are one of the big-ticket items. You can find them at secondhand marketplaces like Mercari and eBay for a range, from $500 to $1,800.
4. Apple Computer 1
Sold in 1976, the Apple Computer 1, also known as Apple 1, was built by Steve Wozniak and was sold with a casing, keyboard, and display for $666.66 (which is roughly $3,795 today). There are only 50 that exist in the world, and because of that, they’re extremely valuable. With Apple products already being extremely pricey, it’s no surprise that an Apple 1 from Steve Jobs’ office and owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is the most expensive early Apple gadget, selling at Christie’s auction house for a whopping $945,000 in 2024.
3. Apple Lisa
An Apple Lisa? For many, the name isn’t recognizable. But it’s actually one of the early Apple gadgets worth a lot of money. Lisa, created in 1983, introduced the graphic user interface (GUI) into the Apple Computer Corporation’s line of personal computers. It was a commercial flop thanks to the $10,000 unit cost, so only 80,000 were sold. Even so, it’s credited as one of the first machines to use something besides text-only to initiate operations. At RR Auction, one was sold in 2025 for $56,818.
2. Original iPod
If you were lucky, you had iPods growing up. While the iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle are some of the more recognizable iPods, they don’t beat the original iPod, especially not in value. Introduced in 2001, the original iPod marked the transition away from portable cassette and CD players, turning to the digital era. Holding up to 1,000 songs, the iPod lasted years, finally retiring in 2022. But even so, the values have risen, with one selling in 2023 for $29,000.
1. Original iPhone
From computers to music players, nothing beats the original iPhone. While Apple is known for its amazing tech, they’re most known for its phones. And even some of the early Apple gadgets that are worth a lot of money focus on their original iPhones. Dropping in 2007, the iPhone revolutionized the mobile telephone market. And while they retailed for around $499 back in the day, they’re now worth a substantial amount, with one selling at LCG Auctions in 2023 for $190,372.