40 Years Ago Today: Apple Introduced the LaserWriter, Its First Laser Printer with Unmatched Processing Power

Apple’s website today brims with a wide array of innovative products. However, many may not realize that the tech colossus also ventured into the laser printer market—in particular, with its inaugural model known as the LaserWriter. Launched with Adobe’s groundbreaking PostScript technology, this printer was capable of producing clear and intricate text and graphics. Despite its impressive capabilities, the LaserWriter debuted at an exorbitant price point, limiting its accessibility to a select few consumers. As we reflect on four decades since Apple ventured into this domain, we explore its impact and legacy.

The Life Cycle of the LaserWriter: A Premium Product with a Competitive Edge

On January 23, 1985, Apple introduced the LaserWriter, coinciding with Aldus’s showcase of its PageMaker software. This was a significant moment in tech history, as shipments began on March 1, yet the printer was marketed with a staggering price tag of $6, 995. While this price was steep compared to competitors like HP, the LaserWriter offered a key feature that softened the financial blow: it supported AppleTalk, a networking protocol that enabled shared access among up to sixteen Macintosh computers.

When divided among 16 prospective buyers, the effective cost dropped to around $450 each, making the LaserWriter a more appealing option. By combining advanced software such as PostScript and PageMaker with the Macintosh’s graphical user interface and AppleTalk, this printer empowered a shift towards professional-level printing—levels of quality heretofore reserved for large publishing houses.

This technological leap meant that solo entrepreneurs and independent creators could now access powerful printing capabilities. However, for those who contend that the high initial price would deter most customers, it is noteworthy that adjusted for inflation, the LaserWriter’s price in 2024 would equate to roughly $20, 450. Furthermore, the LaserWriter was built with the Motorola 68000 CPU, an upgraded version of the processor used in early Macintosh computers, showcasing Apple’s commitment to powerful performance in its products.

The success of the LaserWriter paved the way for subsequent models, including the LaserWriter Pro and the more accessible Personal LaserWriter. Nevertheless, as competitors like HP continued to innovate and release more budget-friendly options, Apple struggled to maintain its foothold in the printer market. By the time Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, the decision was made to discontinue all printer lines. This retrospective analysis indicates that the printer segment was perhaps not the most thrilling avenue for the company, and had it continued in this space, it likely would still face stiff competition today.

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