Printer · The Beige Era · 1983
Apple ImageWriter
The ImageWriter gave early Macs and Apple IIs an affordable way to print text and graphics, becoming the sound of school computer labs for years.
Apple’s first widely used dot-matrix printer for the Lisa and Macintosh.
Apple ImageWriter II (1985)
Apple ImageWriter: key facts
When was the Apple ImageWriter released?
The Apple ImageWriter arrived in December 1983. Apple discontinued it in 1985.
How much did the Apple ImageWriter cost?
The Apple ImageWriter launched at $675 in 1983, about $2,133 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Serial.
Why does the Apple ImageWriter matter?
Apple’s first widely used dot-matrix printer for the Lisa and Macintosh.
Full specifications
| CPU | — |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | — |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Serial |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | Dot-matrix printer |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | December 1983 |
| Discontinued | 1985 |
| Launch price | $675 |
How the Apple ImageWriter compares to today
Launched at $675 in 1983, about $2,133 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 original Macintosh launch demo leaned heavily on printed output from the ImageWriter.
Related Printer models
Open the Apple ImageWriter in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11