This colorful powerhouse featured an advanced graphics chip, impressive sound (32-channel audio!), and multitasking capabilities that were far ahead of their time. This was made possible by the 16-bit WDC 65C816 processor, which was compatible with the 6502 used in earlier Apple II models. Although the processor could run at 4 MHz, it was clocked at 2.8 MHz in the Apple IIGS to ensure better compatibility.

The well-known Finder from today’s macOS has its roots in this computer, which ran the GS/OS operating system.

Yet this computer never received the recognition it truly deserved—partly because Apple shifted its focus to the Macintosh. Another factor was the rise of the Amiga and Atari, which emerged as more affordable multimedia computers.