Well, the blogosphere is buzzing about the WWDC coming your way in June — but this time it’s not all about the next version of the iPhone, the iTab or other products. Some are wondering if it will also represent the swan song for Machead’s monarch and icon Steve Jobs.
the clock is ticking
Since pulling out of Macworld, The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) now takes the throne as Apple’s bully-pulpit to provide new product announcements and info for developers and IT professionals. Over 1,000 Apple engineers will be at Moscone West to present the latest Apple technologies and provide attendees with code-level guidance. *
BusinessInsider Dan Frommer is chasing this story, and writes:
Apple will probably show off its next iPhone on June 8 … when we expect the company to unveil its new iPhone and show off the final version of its iPhone 3.0 software. *
Yet, as so many others are buzzing, Dan adds:
More important: Will Apple CEO Steve Jobs present — or at least make an appearance — at WWDC? His medical leave is not scheduled to end until “late June,” so maybe not. But we wouldn’t be surprised if Steve made a cameo, either to show off the new iPhone or to announce that he was retiring as CEO.
Dan Frommer is Senior Editor of Silicon Alley Insider.
But what about the iTab ?
In his Daring Fireball blog, John Gruber pokes his finger in Apple’s eye about the much rumored, over-hyped “iTab”
The company will unveil a 10-inch touch-screen tablet computer sometime this year, say analysts. Not only does Apple want to showcase its design prowess, the company desperately needs a new hit to revitalize its computer line-up. *
The iTab is the ‘next’ Mac I’ve been waiting for — reason for remaining in a holding pattern on this old PowerBook, and aging iMac.
Back in December, Frommer wrote:
Apple’s iPod touch is a hit, and PC makers like Dell (DELL) and Asus are doing good business selling cheap, small “netbook” laptops. It’s time for Steve Jobs to smash them together into a killer multi-touch tablet.
What is it? A tablet computer with a 7- or 8-inch multi-touch screen — about four times the iPod touch screen area — with Apple’s OS X built in. This includes wi-fi access to iTunes for music and movies, optional 3G service (or wi-fi/Bluetooth tethering to an iPhone for Internet access), and access to the App Store. *
But getting back to my point — to many in the Apple world, Jobs is Apple. If he does retire, there’s no doubt he’ll still remain closely attached and visible in Apple matters. Many industry followers are enjoying the successes of Apple in Job’s absence. While Wall Street takes a bit different view than Macheads, investors have been getting more friendly to the idea of Apple COO Tim Cook stepping into fearless leader position. But on the other hand, ahem, with Apple’s stock up some 35%, should we be taking a hard look at moving it out of the stables while it’s still high? You really never know how the fickle markets will react no matter who is at the helm, or what kinds of new gadgets will be announced.
You can bet I’ll be watching that closely.
