Call-A.P.P.L.E. Magazine Volume 36, Number 3 – March 2026

Issue Summary

Call-A.P.P.L.E. Volume 36, Number 3 (March 2026) This issue delivers a deep dive into retro computing history, software development, and modern emulation. Major features include a comprehensive retrospective on the Kaypro line of CP/M luggable computers , a tribute to Aldus and PageMaker founder Paul Brainerd , and a fascinating workflow guide for running Mac OS System 7 on an iPad Mini 4. The issue also provides extensive updates on retro software ports, Apple II emulators, assembly language programming tutorials, and classic gaming history.

Table of Contents

  • The Editor Still Bytes Back! by The Editor
    • Blurb: The Editor discusses new A.P.P.L.E. store merchandise, updates on the nearly complete macOS/iOS port of Ultima III, the rebuild of the AppleArchives link library, and delays on upcoming interactive fiction games.
  • Apple II Series Emulators: The Complete Rundown Updated by A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: A comprehensive, alphabetical directory of available emulators for the Apple II series computers, spanning platforms from web browsers and Windows to macOS and the Raspberry Pi.
  • RetroMacCast Episode #728: Marchintosh by A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: A brief recap of the 728th episode of the RetroMacCast, featuring discussions on eBay finds, Marchintosh celebrations, and vintage Apple news.
  • Floppy Days #159: Interview with David Kay, Kaypro Computers Part III by Randy Kindig / A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: Randy Kindig and luggable computer expert Matthew Jones discuss the history, design, model variations, and CP/M legacy of the highly successful 1980s Kaypro computer line.
  • Daily Driving – System 7 on the iPad 4 Mini by A.P.P.L.E. Staff (Published by TheKyotoConnection)
    • Blurb: A step-by-step guide and personal essay on using Basilisk II and AltStore to run Mac OS System 7 on a modern iPad Mini 4 to create a portable, distraction-free digital workspace.
  • SE/30 Memory Brace by Ed Solie / A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: A spotlight on a 3D-printable RAM brace frame designed by #jmacz to protect the motherboard and SIMM contacts on the Macintosh SE/30.
  • Ultima III for OS 26 – The Port They Said Could Not be Done by A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: A progress report on A.P.P.L.E.’s efforts to port the LairWare Software version of Ultima III to modern macOS and iOS platforms using C and Swift.
  • Retro 265 – Guardian, Tom, Jerry, and the Emerald of Syrinx by A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: An exploration of the 1982 Apple II arcade-style shooter Guardian, diving into the early careers of its creators, Bob Flanagan and Scott Miller (founder of Apogee Software), who published the game under the pseudonym “Tom and Jerry”.
  • VCF PNW 2026 Registration by A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: Details, rules, and sign-up instructions for exhibitors, presenters, and volunteers for the upcoming Vintage Computer Festival Pacific Northwest 2026.
  • Paul Brainerd – Aldus / Pagemaker Founder Dies by A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: An obituary honoring Paul Brainerd, the visionary who coined “desktop publishing,” founded Aldus Corporation, launched PageMaker, and later dedicated his tech fortune to environmental philanthropy.
  • Apple Folklore – A Message for Adam by Andy Hertzfeld / A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: A humorous anecdote from the 1981 West Coast Computer Faire detailing an encounter with Adam Osborne, and Steve Jobs’s candid telephone message in response to Osborne’s boasting.
  • SAB 4K Pilot – Part 6 by Forrest Lowe / A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: Part 6 of the ongoing SAB 4K Pilot deconstruction series, focusing on the ACCEPT command processor, diagnosing its bugs, and providing optimized assembly code fixes.
  • GSSquared: Apple Series Emulator 0.7.2 Released by Jawaid Bazyar / A.P.P.L.E. Staff
    • Blurb: Release notes for the GSSquared Apple II emulator, highlighting the addition of 100% accurate Apple IIgs RGB video rendering, cycle-accurate PAL video, and a 65816 core.
  • Applesauce FDC: 2.06.2 Software Update by A.P.P.L.E. Staff / John Morris
    • Blurb: A changelog for versions 2.06 through 2.06.2 of the Applesauce FDC software, detailing new format support, data recovery improvements, and bug fixes.

Advertiser & Product List

  • Twilight II – Apple IIGS Screensaver by Jim R. Maricondo & Antoine Vignau
  • The A.P.P.L.E. Store – Retro apparel, mugs, posters, and phone cases
  • 8-Bit Shack – 3-Pack of Games for Apple II (Vector Pursuit, Maze Runner, Marbles)
  • Kero’s Mac Mods Online Store – ROM-INATOR, SMC ROM SIMM, SPII SD V2 SmartPort emulator, and PDS ROM cards
  • Vintage is The New Old (VITNO.org) – Retro computing news
  • The Wozpak II and Docupak Volumes 2 & 3 – A.P.P.L.E. Store books
  • Atom 20 – Post-apocalyptic interactive fiction text adventure by A.P.P.L.E.
  • Double-High Resolution Text Editor and Tools – Synergistic Software utility via A.P.P.L.E.
  • 8bit-Slicks – Online multiplayer racing game remake for various 8-bit platforms
  • https://www.google.com/search?q=8bitstuff.com – Ultra High Capacity Micro SD to Apple II Drive adapters
  • Moon Base Alpha – Sci-fi interactive fiction by A.P.P.L.E.
  • ClamXAV – Mac anti-virus software
  • Exploring Business BASIC – Book by Taylor Pohlman via A.P.P.L.E.
  • The Pascal Anthology – Book updated by Bill Martens via A.P.P.L.E.
  • Space Station Alpha – Interactive fiction by A.P.P.L.E.
  • Genius 1-3 (Into the Toy Warehouses / Caves / Planets) – Games available for Apple II, Atari, and Commodore platforms
  • The LISA Quickdraw Demo Workshop – Manual and disk image via A.P.P.L.E.
  • apple-1-manuals.com – True replica Apple-1 manuals created by Armin Hierstetter
  • BlueSCSI – Vintage Mac/Apple storage solution (bluescsi.com)
  • What’s Where in the Apple (2nd Enhanced Revision) – Comprehensive memory and firmware guide by A.P.P.L.E.
  • Gamezyte.com – Vintage gaming
  • Huibert-Aalbers Software – Jigsaw!, LaserForce, SoundSmith, AZERTY, and Jigsaw Deluxe
  • Big Mac – Editor assembler for Apple II programmers via A.P.P.L.E.
  • Applesoft Program Editor version 2.0 – DOS 3.3 and ProDOS
  • Nibble Magazine – Complete magazine collection
  • DOS 3.3 Text Viewer and Advanced Catalog Utility – via A.P.P.L.E.
  • Beagle Bros Software – Official Repository
  • Virtual Apple ][ – Software archive

Coming Next Month

  • Next month, we look at the 50th anniversary of the company that helped all of us get started, Apple, Inc. The history, the ups and downs, lots of photos and tidbits from the inside of Apple that most folks never see. We will also be looking at running the retro Macintosh and Apple II platforms on the Modern Hardware through the use of emulators and then the last part of the Kaypro interview from retro computing aficionado Randall Kindig. Much more coming including game updates, the SAB Part 7 and the other updates for Apple II tools and games.

How to become an Advertiser

  • Contact the editor at callapple.org for information about advertising on the A.P.P.L.E. website and in Call-A.P.P.L.E. Magazine
  • Reasonable rates offered to both hobbyists and companies supporting the Apple community