NeXT Computer: Steve Jobs's high-end workstation that shaped modern computing

On October 12, 1988, Steve Jobs introduced the NeXT Computer at the Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. Often referred to as ‘The Cube’ due to its distinctive shape, the machine was designed as a high-end workstation targeting universities and research institutions rather than the general public.

While the computer was not a commercial success due to its high price point of $6,500 and late market entry, its technological impact was profound. The NeXT system featured an optical storage disk, a digital signal processor for voice recognition, and an advanced object-oriented development environment. These tools allowed Tim Berners-Lee to develop the first web server and web browser, laying the groundwork for the World Wide Web.

The legacy of NeXT became central to Apple's future. Following Apple's acquisition of NeXT in 1997, the NeXT operating system served as the foundation for Mac OS X, which subsequently provided the basis for iOS on iPhone and iPad devices.