Without CIA funding that helped keep NeXT afloat in the ’80s, Steve Jobs might not have made a triumphant return to Apple—and the iPhone might not have its foundational operating code.
The Hidden Debt That Apple Owes to the CIA
Why This Matters
This article highlights how government funding, particularly from the CIA, played a crucial role in the development of key tech innovations like NeXT and the iPhone. Recognizing these hidden influences underscores the complex interplay between government support and private sector advancements in the tech industry. For consumers, it reveals the often unseen origins of the technology they rely on daily.
Key Takeaways
- CIA funding helped sustain NeXT in the 1980s.
- NeXT's survival was pivotal for Steve Jobs' return to Apple.
- Government support has historically influenced major tech innovations.
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