While wishful thinkers hold out epic hope for the chance that Steve Jobs will make a surprise appearance at the 2009 WWDC event next week to introduce a new iPhone device, Apple senior managers are reported to be coordinating the return of Steve Jobs with a product launch or public event according to two people who do business with Apple.
Apple's CEO is said to be on track for a return to the company's helm as stated in a report by the Wall Street Journal. It was also revealed that Jobs has come into Apple headquarters on more than one occasion, beyond the recent reports that made instant headlines.
Apple faithful seem to be less focused on Jobs' health, and more focused on the charismatic leader returning to launch the next generation iPhone next week. Most Mac heads we've spoken to are confident that the sharply negative reports on the personal health of Mr. Jobs have been mostly media sensationalism. Though one person familiar with the matter told WSJ differently.
"He was one real sick guy,'' added this person. "Fundamentally he was starving to death over a nine-month period. He couldn't digest protein. [But] he took corrective action.''
The idea of Mr. Jobs returning behind an Apple product launch or public event lines up with a communication released by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster to investors in mid May, stating that he expects Apple to host a special event in late June or early July to launch a family of iPhones.
"With or without Mr. Jobs at the conference, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster expects Apple to unveil a new iPhone model, even if the company doesn't immediately start selling it."
"Apple is ready enough with its latest iPhone to be in a position to unveil it next week, said a person who has seen the new model. The new phone will look similar to last year's model but has more processing power and some new features like video editing, this person said." Source: WSJ
Will an iPhone form factor eerily similar to 3G be a disappointment for thousands of cult of iPhone fanatics ready for a new sensation? All signs point to yes. So what product will Steve Jobs return to launch if not a video iPhone? It looks like it's time to start dusting off those Mac Tablet concept photos again and that "welcome back Steve" tee shirt I had made for the return of the king. At least one of those is bound to make an appearance by the end of June.
[WSJ] [Art by Mycaricatures]
I don't mind the form factor. I think the new functionality is much more important than making it the size of a credit card. I think that if Apple didn't reveal the new phone on Monday at this point, they'd be asking for trouble. lol Perhaps Steve will be the famous, "One more thing..." That'd be fun.
Posted by: Katie | June 05, 2009 at 12:07 PM