Apple IIc Plus
The Apple IIc Plus is the final model in the Apple IIc line, introduced by Apple Computer, Inc. in September 1988. It featured a faster 4 MHz 65C02 CPU, an internal 3.5" floppy drive, and several architectural enhancements over its predecessor, the Apple IIc.
| File:Apple IIc logo.svg | |
| File:Apple Iic Plus.jpg | |
| Apple IIc Plus | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Home computer |
| Released | September 1988 |
| Discontinued | November 1990 |
| Intro price | US$675 (1988) |
| CPU | MOS Technology 65C02 @ 4 MHz |
| Memory | 128 KB RAM (expandable to 1 MB) |
| Storage | Internal 3.5" (800 KB) floppy disk drive, external 5.25" supported |
| Display | 40×24 or 80×24 text, 280×192 (colour), 560×192 (monochrome) graphics |
| Sound | 1-bit speaker (toggle), same as Apple II series |
| Dimensions | 30.5 cm × 29.2 cm × 7.6 cm |
| Weight | 3.6 kg |
| OS / Firmware | Apple DOS 3.3, ProDOS, Apple Pascal |
| Predecessor | Apple IIc |
| Successor | None |
| Codename | Raisin |
| Model no. | A2S4500 |
🧠 Architecture and Processor
The IIc Plus is powered by a 65C02 microprocessor running at 4 MHz, a significant speed increase over the original IIc’s 1 MHz. The system uses a custom ASIC for memory and peripheral management, and retains the IIc’s all-in-one compact design with built-in keyboard and power supply.
Key architectural features:
- CPU: MOS Technology 65C02 @ 4 MHz (software switchable to 1 MHz for compatibility)
- ASIC: Custom Apple chip integrates memory, I/O, and timing functions
- ROM: 32 KB (with built-in firmware for ProDOS, AppleSoft BASIC, and utility routines)
- System bus: 8-bit data, 16-bit address (64 KB addressable per bank)
💾 Memory and Storage
The IIc Plus shipped with 128 KB RAM as standard, expandable up to 1 MB via third-party memory cards. The system features a built-in 3.5" double-sided 800 KB floppy disk drive, replacing the earlier IIc’s 5.25" drive. An external 5.25" drive can still be attached for backward compatibility.
- RAM: 128 KB (expandable to 1 MB)
- ROM: 32 KB
- Internal storage: 3.5" Sony floppy (800 KB, GCR encoding)
- External storage: Optional 5.25" floppy (140 KB), compatible with UniDisk 3.5 and external drives
🖥️ Display and Graphics
The IIc Plus supports the same video modes as earlier Apple II models, with both colour and monochrome output:
- Text: 40×24 or 80×24 characters (with 80-column card)
- Graphics:
- Low-res: 40×48 (16 colours)
- High-res: 280×192 (6 colours)
- Double hi-res: 560×192 (monochrome)
- Video output: Composite video (NTSC), RGB via third-party adapters
🔊 Sound Capabilities
Sound is generated via a simple 1-bit speaker, toggled directly by software, as in all Apple II models. No dedicated sound chip is present, but third-party sound cards are supported.
- Speaker: Internal, 1-bit digital (toggle)
- Expansion: Supports Apple II-compatible sound peripherals
🎮 Input/Output and Expansion
The IIc Plus maintains the IIc’s compact, closed-case design, but provides a range of built-in ports for peripherals and expansion:
- Serial ports: Two DIN-5 (modem and printer)
- Video: Composite video output (RCA), monochrome output (DIN-8)
- Disk port: For external 5.25" or 3.5" drives
- Joystick/mouse port: DE-9 connector
- Audio: Internal speaker only
- Keyboard: Integrated
- Expansion: Internal memory expansion slot (up to 1 MB), no standard Apple II slots
🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual
The Apple IIc Plus consists of a single main logic board integrating CPU, RAM, ROM, floppy controller, and I/O. The power supply is internal, unlike earlier IIc models.
| Logic Board | Power Supply |
|---|---|
- Apple IIc Plus Technical Reference Manual and schematics are available via Apple Service Source and archive.org.
📷 Gallery
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Apple IIc Plus front view
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Rear panel with I/O ports
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Internal logic board
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Internal power supply
🧪 Related Pages
- Apple IIc Plus General Maintenance
- Apple IIc Plus Troubleshooting Guide
- Apple IIc Plus Keyboard Repair Guide
- Apple IIc Plus Capacitor Replacement Guide