What happened
The Wall Street Journal has published an excerpt from reporter Sharon Weinberger's new book 'Valley of Death' that describes how a secret CIA purchase order for 20,000 NeXT machines rescued the struggling company.
According to the account, the classified order quietly kept NeXT alive and is portrayed as a hidden factor behind Steve Jobs' eventual return to Apple.
Why it matters
The episode adds a surprising behind-the-scenes twist to one of tech's most famous comeback stories, suggesting that a government contract — not just product vision — helped keep NeXT afloat long enough for Jobs to find his way back to Apple.
It also shows how an intelligence agency's procurement decision can ripple through the history of an entire industry.
Key facts
The CIA secretly ordered 20,000 units from NeXT, according to the excerpt.
The order helped save NeXT from collapse.
The story comes from Sharon Weinberger's book 'Valley of Death,' excerpted by The Wall Street Journal.
The order is described as a hidden driver of Steve Jobs' return to Apple.
What to watch next
The full 'Valley of Death' book may offer further specifics on the timing and terms of the classified order.
Former NeXT and Apple figures may respond publicly to the newly surfaced account.