NeXT, Inc., commonly known as NeXT Computer, was an American technology company founded in 1985 by Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Computer, shortly after his ouster from Apple in 1985. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, NeXT aimed to revolutionize the computer industry by developing advanced workstations targeted at higher education and business markets. The company emphasized innovative object-oriented programming, a sophisticated graphical user interface, and high-performance hardware, setting new standards in computer innovation despite initial commercial challenges.

NeXT debuted its flagship product, the NeXT Computer, in 1988, followed by the NeXTcube in 1990 and the more compact NeXTstation. These products featured cutting-edge technology, including the Mach kernel (which influenced future operating systems like macOS) and the NeXTSTEP operating system, which was renowned for its elegance and developer tools. Although sales were modest, with only about 50,000 units shipped overall, NeXT's software innovations were highly influential. Notably, NeXT developed the first dynamic web page software, contributing to early advancements in web technology. The company's focus on quality over quantity allowed it to attract a niche but dedicated user base in academia and research.

Facing financial difficulties in the early 1990s, NeXT shifted from hardware to software in 1993, licensing NeXTSTEP to other platforms. In 1996, Apple acquired NeXT for approximately $429 million, bringing Steve Jobs back to Apple and integrating NeXT's technology into what would become macOS. This merger was pivotal for Apple's resurgence, as NeXT's software foundation powered subsequent Apple operating systems and influenced products like iOS. NeXT ceased independent operations following the acquisition but left a lasting legacy in computing history.