Printer · The Beige Era · 1985
Apple ImageWriter II
The ImageWriter II became Apple’s dependable printer of the 1980s and early 1990s: noisy, rugged, and common in homes and classrooms.
Long-lived color-capable dot-matrix workhorse.
LaserWriter Plus (1986)
Apple ImageWriter II: key facts
When was the Apple ImageWriter II released?
The Apple ImageWriter II arrived in September 1985. Apple discontinued it in 1996.
How much did the Apple ImageWriter II cost?
The Apple ImageWriter II launched at $595 in 1985, about $1,770 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Serial / AppleTalk option.
Why does the Apple ImageWriter II matter?
Long-lived color-capable dot-matrix workhorse.
Full specifications
| CPU | — |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | — |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Serial / AppleTalk option |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | Dot-matrix printer |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | September 1985 |
| Discontinued | 1996 |
| Launch price | $595 |
How the Apple ImageWriter II compares to today
Launched at $595 in 1985, about $1,770 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?
With a color ribbon, it could print in multiple colors long before inkjets were common.
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Last updated: 2026-08-11