What company manufactured the first Mac clone?

Power Computing manufactured the first Mac clone. Apple selected the company as its first Macintosh-clone licensee in late 1994, and Power Computing shipped its first Mac-compatible computers in May 1995.

Founded by Stephen “Steve” Kahng, Power Computing used a direct, build-to-order sales model rather than relying mainly on traditional retailers. Its machines ran Mac OS and used PowerPC processors, offering faster or cheaper alternatives to Apple’s own Macintosh models.

The company became one of the most successful clone makers, selling about 100,000 units during its first year. Other licensed manufacturers, including UMAX Technologies, DayStar Digital, and Radius, also produced Mac clones, but they entered the market after Power Computing. Apple ended the clone era after Steve Jobs returned in 1997 and acquired Power Computing’s key assets for roughly $100 million in Apple stock.