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Background and Identification

The Apple IIGS is the fifth and most powerful of the Apple II computer family. It is a 16-bit personal computer produced by Apple Computer, Inc. beginning in September 1986. The Apple IIGS features the Macintosh design with resolution and color similar to the Commodore Amiga and Stari ST and remains compatible with earlier Apple II models. The “GS” in the name stands for “Graphics and Sound,” referring to its then-state-of-the-art audio and enhanced multimedia hardware.

The Apple IIGS includes a 16-bit 65C816 microprocessor with direct access to megabytes of random-access memory (RAM) and mouse. This microprocessor was a dramatic departure from any previous Apple II computer. The Apple IIGS was the first computer produced by Apple to use a color graphical user interface and Apple Desktop Bus interface for keyboards, mice, and other input devices (color was introduced on the Macintosh II six months after the release of the Apple IIGS). It is the first personal computer to have a wavetable synthesis chip using technology from Ensoniq. The IIGS includes either 256 KB or 1 MB of memory which is expandable up to 8 MB.

Apple ceased IIGS production in December 1992 as Apple increasingly focused on the Macintosh platform. The IIGS includes Apple’s multi-colored apple logo with the name “Apple IIGS” in the bottom left-hand corner of the computer’s front face.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Apple Computer, Inc.

Release date: September 15, 1986

Introductory price: US$999 (equivalent to $2,330 in 2019), excluding monitor

Discontinued: December 1992

Operating system:

  • Apple ProDOS
  • Apple GS/OS
  • GNO/ME

CPU: 65C816 @ 2.8 MHz

Memory: 256 kB or 1 MB (expandable up to 8 MB)

Graphics: VGC 12-bpp palette, 320×200, 640×200

Sound: Ensoniq ES5503 DOC 8-bit wavetable synthesis sound chip, 32 channels of mono or 16 of stereo

Additional Information

Peripheral Interface Guide

Apple Service Technical Procedures Apple II Family Volume One

Apple II Monochrome Monitors Specifications (Discontinued)

Apple IIGS Memory Expansion Card Owner's Guide

Apple 3.5 Drive Owner's Guide

Apple IIGS ROM Upgrade Information

Apple IIGS High Speed SCSI Card Not Recognizing Hard Drive Service Article

Apple DuoDisk Drive: How to Use It with Apple IIGS

Apple IIGS to Apple Modem 300/1200 Cabling

Apple IIGS ROM Diagnostic Errors Technical Note

Apple IIGS: Don't Use DuoDisk on SmartPort

Apple IIe/IIgs: Slot Assignments (7/94)

Apple IIGS Technical Note 21: DMA Compatibility for Expansion RAM

Apple IIGS How to Mix a 3.5-inch Drive with Other Drives

Apple IIGS and Upgraded IIe Technical Note #28: Interface Card Design Guidelines

Apple IIGS Adapter Cable Pinouts

Apple IIGS Hardware Reference Updates Technical Note

Apple IIGS Connecting Disk Drives Technical Info Library Article

Apple IIGS Connectors: Serial Port Pinouts and Description

Apple ImageWriter II/LQ LocalTalk Option User's Guide

Apple Technical Procedures Volume Five

Apple Technical Procedures Volume Seven

Apple Service Technical Procedures Cross Family Peripherals Volume Four

Apple Service Technical Procedures Apple II Family Volume Two

Apple Monochrome Monitor Owner's Guide

Apple Service Technical Procedures Apple II Family Volume Two

Peripheral Interface Guide: Service Technical Procedures

Apple 5.25 Drive Owner's Guide

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