An apparatus for separating objects of the same kind, in particular electronic components such as integrated circuits (IC's), that are delivered in succession in a sloping delivery passage, the apparatus having a stop member arranged in the region of the delivery passage that is displaced substantially transverse to the direction of delivery so that it holds back or holds fast the respective foremost object, and having a control circuit (P) that cyclically controls the displacing movement of the stop member, is to be designed so that while ensuring a relatively long service life it is suitable for use for different components, in particular with regard to their length. This is achieved by arranging a sensor in the region of the delivery passage after the stop member, in the delivery direction, which responds to the arrival of a released object and which is connected to the control circuit (P), and by arranging the control circuit (P) so that the cycle frequency and/or the ratio between the pressure applying and lifting off periods of the stop member is changed depending on the frequency of arrival or the frequency of removal of the released objects at the sensor.