Even as Apple is preparing to announce its first-quarter results for the fiscal year 2009, rumors, speculation, analysis and finger-pointing around Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ health issues — and the disclosure of them — continue.
The media has reported on Jobs’ illness — what little it could discern by his bodily appearance — and even his supposed untimely death. The latter turned out to be a misprinted obituary, but his appearance turned out to be a true revelation of a mystery that is still unfolding.
Jobs wrote an open letter just before Macworld that the company hoped would quiet the speculation. He acknowledged that he had been losing weight during 2008, and said the doctors had determined a hormone imbalance was robbing him of the proteins his body needs. He went on to say that the remedy was simple and treatment was under way. And he said he would continue as CEO of Apple during his recovery.
Steve’s Sudden Change
But last week, Jobs changed his tune as curiosity over his personal health became an even bigger distraction. He also confessed he had bad news from his doctors: His health-related issues were more complex than he thought.
“In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June,” Jobs wrote in an open letter. Apple COO Tim Cook is temporarily stepping into Jobs’ shoes.
Jobs is expected to remain on the board of The Walt Disney Company despite his six-month leave from Apple. He will stand for reelection in March.
But the greater speculation is about Apple’s immediate present — and its future. The company’s stock has taken a hit ahead of earnings.
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