Apple, now a trillion-dollar tech giant, had humble beginnings in a California garage. In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computers, along with Ron Wayne, who later departed after just 12 days. The trio signed the pioneering partnership contract that established Apple Computer Company. This historic document is scheduled for auction in January next year and is anticipated to command millions of dollars.
Christie’s, an American auction house, will conduct the auction of the original contract on January 23, 2026, in New York. The three-page document, signed by Jobs, Wozniak, and Wayne, outlined the company’s structure. This auction will be part of Christie’s We the People: America at 250 event, with an estimated value of $2-4 million, highlighting the significance of tech history artifacts.
The founding contract allocated ownership stakes of 45% each to Jobs and Wozniak, and 10% to Wayne before his swift departure. Wayne’s decision to exit the partnership after 12 days is deemed a pivotal moment in tech history, considering Apple’s current market position.
In addition to the main contract, other documents to be auctioned include Wayne’s withdrawal agreement, where he received $800 initially and later an additional $1,500 for his 10% share. Wayne cited caution as the reason for leaving Apple, expressing reluctance to participate in a high-stakes venture. Retaining his stake would have translated into vast wealth today, despite structural changes in Apple over the years.
The contract and withdrawal agreement will be sold as a single lot, offering the highest bidder two significant artifacts from Silicon Valley’s history. Christie’s event will feature items reflecting 250 years of American innovation and culture, with the Apple founding papers expected to be a highlight.
Apple memorabilia has a track record of attracting high bids at auctions, particularly documents linked to the company’s inception. In 2011, the contract was sold for $1.5 million, setting a precedent for Christie’s current valuation. The upcoming auction, expected to draw global attention from technology, business, and American history collectors, is set to take place at Christie’s Rockefeller Centre headquarters. With an estimated value of up to $4 million, the contract remains a pivotal piece of Apple’s early narrative.