In September 1989, Apple made a surprising decision: it demanded the return of the computers. No public explanation was provided, and Cook, facing the immense legal power of Apple, was left with little choice but to comply. A few weeks later, a truck sent by Apple arrived at the Sun Remarketing warehouse. The employees loaded up all 7,000 units—none were left behind. The destination? A landfill in Logan, Utah, where the computers were crushed and buried.
A Forgotten Chapter in Apple’s History
Why did Apple take such a drastic step? While the company never provided a clear explanation, several theories have emerged. Apple was likely concerned about its image and didn’t want modified, defective machines circulating in the market. The company has always maintained strict control over its ecosystem, and selling “refurbished” units modified by third parties went against this philosophy.
This bizarre episode remained largely unknown until it was revealed in the documentary, Lisa: Steve Jobs’ Sabotage and Apple’s Secret Burial by The Verge. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a time when the handling of unsold inventory sometimes led to extreme, almost ruthless decisions.
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