Storage · The Garage Era · 1981
Apple ProFile
ProFile gave the Apple III and Lisa precious hard-disk storage when most personal computers still shuffled floppies.
Apple ProFile: key facts
When was the Apple ProFile released?
The Apple ProFile was released in September 1981. Apple discontinued it in 1986.
How much did the Apple ProFile cost?
The Apple ProFile launched at $3,499 in 1981 — about $12,643 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What are the Apple ProFile’s specs?
The Apple ProFile used a N/A, with None of memory and 5 MB of storage. It ran Driver / firmware support.
Why does the Apple ProFile matter?
Apple’s first hard disk drive product.
Full specifications
| CPU | N/A |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | None |
| Storage | 5 MB |
| Display | None |
| GPU | N/A |
| Ports | Parallel interface |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | External hard disk |
| Operating system | Driver / firmware support |
| Released | September 1981 |
| Discontinued | 1986 |
| Launch price | $3,499 |
How the Apple ProFile compares to today
All of this storage could hold roughly one modern phone photo.
Launched at $3,499 in 1981 — about $12,643 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
The first model stored 5 MB, a luxury in 1981.
Related Storage models
Open the Apple ProFile in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-27