Apple Introduces Apple II

One of the first mass-produced “microcomputers,” the Apple II helped begin the personal computer crazy in the late 1970s, revolutionizing computing and computer art forms. It would also help kick of the Demoscene as one of the first devices to attract cracker crews. With its accessible hardware and user-friendly interface, the Apple II democratized computing and provided artists with a powerful tool for creating generative artworks. The computer’s graphics and sound capabilities, along with the availability of programming languages like BASIC, enabled artists to experiment with algorithms and create interactive visual and audio experiences. The Apple II represented an exponential jump in computer popularity and accessibility as between 1977 and 1984, over 2 million units sold. The Apple II’s popularity and widespread adoption also fostered a growing community of artists exploring generative art.