The earliest recorded version is found in Philopseudes (The Lover of Lies) by Lucian of Samosata. In this dialogue, the character Eucrates describes a magical Egyptian sorcerer and an apprentice who uses a spell to make a pestle fetch water.
The Story of the Sorcerer's Apprentice: A Historical and Cultural Analysis The Sorcerer's Apprentice
The enduring appeal of the apprentice's plight lies in its relatability and the moral lessons it conveys: The Danger of Shortcuts The earliest recorded version is found in Philopseudes