How Steve Jobs’s NeXT Laid the Groundwork for Apple’s Revival

Steve Jobs founded NeXT, Inc. on September 12, 1985, after his departure from Apple Inc. This venture, often termed the “most successful failure” in tech history, ultimately played a pivotal role in Apple’s survival and the evolution of the web. Although the company itself has largely faded from memory, its legacy endures through the technologies and philosophies it introduced.

Jobs announced NeXT to the Apple board, revealing his intention to create a company focused on developing high-end computers for the education sector. According to the book Apple Confidential 2.0, he downplayed the venture, referring to the Apple employees he would take with him as “low level” staff. This modest announcement marked the beginning of a journey that would lead to innovations that would shape the tech landscape.

The Birth of NeXT

The inception of NeXT was not a straightforward affair. Initially, Jobs operated out of his home, and it took time before the company secured a formal name or a dedicated office space. The company was not incorporated until months later. Despite these early challenges, the vision behind NeXT was ambitious. Jobs aimed to produce a powerful workstation that would cater to the needs of higher education and research institutions.

NeXT’s first product, the NeXT Computer, was released in 1988. It featured cutting-edge technology for its time, including a Motorola 68030 processor, a high-quality optical disk drive, and an advanced graphical user interface. The machine was marketed as a revolutionary tool for educators and researchers, although its price tag of around $6,500 made it a luxury item rather than a mainstream product.

Despite its high cost, the NeXT Computer attracted significant attention. It was recognized for its capabilities in software development, particularly in the field of object-oriented programming. The operating system, NeXTSTEP, was particularly influential, laying the groundwork for future operating systems, including macOS and iOS.

A Lasting Impact

Although NeXT was unable to achieve commercial success, its influence on Apple was profound. In 1996, Apple acquired NeXT for approximately $429 million. This acquisition not only brought Jobs back to Apple but also integrated NeXTSTEP’s technology into Apple’s software ecosystem. This transition was instrumental in revitalizing Apple, leading to the development of the iMac and subsequent innovations.

NeXT also played a critical role in the early development of the World Wide Web. The NeXT Computer served as the platform for the first web server, which Tim Berners-Lee used to create the first website. This connection between NeXT and the web highlights how a company that struggled to find its footing ultimately contributed to a technological revolution.

Reflecting on the legacy of NeXT, it is clear that while the company itself may not have endured, its innovations and philosophies significantly influenced the trajectory of modern computing. Steve Jobs’s vision for NeXT may have been ambitious, but it set the stage for the future of Apple and the technology industry as a whole.