Apple’s 1976 founding contract to be auctioned for up to $4M

The original three-page partnership agreement that created Apple ↘ 1.52% Computer Company on April 1, 1976, is returning to the auction block, where Christie's expects it to fetch between $2 million and $4 million when it goes under the hammer on January 23, 2026.9to5mac+4

The historic document, signed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and the lesser-known third co-founder Ronald Wayne, establishes their initial ownership stakes at 45%, 45%, and 10% respectively. The lot also includes papers documenting Wayne's swift exit just 12 days later, when he received $800 to relinquish his share—a decision that cost him what would theoretically be worth around $409 billion today, based on Apple's current market capitalization of approximately $4.1 trillion.macrumors+3

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