Apple II GS

Apple IIGS -A Colorful Apple Always Tastes Better!

Produced from 1986 to 1992, the Apple IIGS (Graphics & Sound) was Apple’s first true multimedia computer. Featuring vastly improved graphics and sound over earlier Apple II models, the IIGS bridged the gap between the classic Apple II line and the emerging Macintosh systems. Designed with input from Steve Wozniak, the IIGS maintained full compatibility with its predecessors through the custom Mega II chip, while offering a modern 16-bit architecture.

Launched at $999 (around $2,640 today), the Apple IIGS sold approximately 1 million units
The first 50,000 units proudly featured Wozniak’s printed signature on the case — affectionately known as the “Woz Edition”

THE APPLE IIGS AT A GLANCE

Operating System: GS/OS with GUI (early versions used ProDOS 16)
CPU: 16-bit WDC 65C816 at 2.8 MHz
Memory: 256 KB base RAM (later 1 MB), expandable to 8 MB
ROM: 128 KB (256 KB in later models)
Graphics: 12-bit color palette (4,096 colors)
Sound: Ensoniq 5503 wavetable synthesizer (32-channel stereo)
Compatibility: Full Apple II emulation via Mega II chip
Connectivity: Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), RGB video out, joystick, serial, and floppy ports
Expandability: 7 Apple II slots, memory upgrades, hard disk support, accelerator cards
Software: Supported hundreds of applications and over 300 games

Operating System & Interface

The IIGS introduced a modern mouse-driven GUI reminiscent of early Macintosh systems. Key OS highlights include:

ProDOS 16 in early models; later replaced by GS/OS, a true 16-bit system
ROM/Disk Hybrid OS loading
Features Finder for navigation
Desk Accessories allowed limited multitasking
Advanced multitasking was later offered by GNO/ME, a UNIX-like third-party kernel
Up to 95% software compatibility with earlier Apple II programs

Colors & Graphic Modes

With the Super-High-Resolution (SHR) mode, the IIGS offered industry-leading color depth for its time:

4,096-color palette
Up to 256 on-screen colors standard, and thousands via special modes
Fully supports all legacy Apple II video modes

□ Super-High-Resolution (320 Mode)

320x200 (16 colors / 4,096 color palette)
320x200 (256 colors / 4,096 color palette)
320x200 (3,200 colors / 4,096 color palette)

□ Super-High-Resolution (640 Mode)

640x200 (4 colors / 4,096 color palette)
640x200 (16 colors / 4,096 color palette)
640x200 (64 colors / 4,096 color palette)
640x200 (800 colors / 4,096 color palette)

Sound Capabilities

At its heart, the IIGS features the Ensoniq 5503 Digital Oscillator Chip, developed by Bob Yannes (creator of the SID chip for the Commodore 64):