Biz (2586)

Steve Jobs to return at end of June

After nearly "starving to death"

5 June 2009 8:40 GMT / By Duncan Geere

After Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, stood down in January for what he claimed was going to be just 6 months, some analysts suggested that we wouldn't see him back, that this was a convenient way of retiring the celebrity CEO.

But it appears that Jobs will be returning to the company, on schedule, at the end of June, if "people familiar with Apple" are to be believed. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the company is now trying to coordinate Mr Jobs' return with a product launch or public event.

The most obvious occasion for Jobs to return would be a release of a new iPhone, widely expected next week. However, if he's not looking 100% in rude health, then it could damage the company's stock further.

Especially as the Wall Street Journal quotes a "person familiar with the matter" saying: "He was one real sick guy... Fundamentally he was starving to death over a nine-month period. He couldn't digest protein".

The return of Jobs would be a boost for Apple, who suffered in a global survey recently that asked teens to rate their favourite technology brands. Apple placed second, behind Sony.

What seems most likely to happen is that Phil Schiller will deliver the announcement next week (as previously planned by Apple and reported on Pocket-lint), but that Jobs may make a brief appearance. We'll keep you informed of any developments.

Via: online.wsj.com

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Biz, Apple, Steve Jobs, Rumours