Storage · The Garage Era · 1981
Apple ProFile
ProFile gave the Apple III and Lisa precious hard-disk storage when most personal computers still shuffled floppies.
Apple’s first hard disk drive product.
Apple DuoDisk (1983)
Apple ProFile: key facts
When was the Apple ProFile released?
The Apple ProFile arrived in September 1981. Apple discontinued it in 1986.
How much did the Apple ProFile cost?
The Apple ProFile launched at $3,499 in 1981, about $12,643 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: 5 MB storage, Parallel interface.
Why does the Apple ProFile matter?
Apple’s first hard disk drive product.
Full specifications
| CPU | — |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | 5 MB |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Parallel interface |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | External hard disk |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | September 1981 |
| Discontinued | 1986 |
| Launch price | $3,499 |
How the Apple ProFile compares to today
All of this storage could hold roughly one modern phone photo.
Launched at $3,499 in 1981, about $12,643 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
The first model stored 5 MB, a luxury in 1981.
Related Storage models
Open the Apple ProFile in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11