Apple's Macworld withdrawal not due to Jobs' health

"Jobs' decision was more about politics than his pancreas"

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17 December 2008 10:43 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

After the news that not only will Apple no longer have a presence at the Macworld Expo after this year, but that Steve Jobs will not be delivering the keynote, industry analysts have stepped in with explanations.

The news has sent shockwaves through the Apple community, with fears for Jobs health growing, but Jim Goldman of CNBC's insider sources suggest the move is purely for the reasons Apple cited in its official release.

Apple said it has been "steadily scaling back on trade shows in recent years", as it is reaching consumers in different ways.

"Jobs' decision was more about politics than his pancreas", Goldman says. "If Jobs for some reason was unable to perform any of his responsibilities as CEO because of health reasons, which would include the Macworld keynote, I should rest assured that the board would let me know".

"Steve Jobs is fine", Goldman continues. "It's Macworld the expo that's on its last legs".