Steve Jobs won’t give Macworld keynote

[Buccaneer]

In a surprise move that shocked fans and troubled investors, Apple announced after close of markets Tuesday that Steve Jobs will not be giving a keynote address at Macworld 2009.

In the same press release, issued three weeks before the event, the company let it be known that after this Macworld, the company will no longer participate in the industry showcase that takes its name from Apple’s flagship product.


I have been following the Mac and Apple since 1984 and I find this curious. I really Steve Jobs' health may not be that great but any idea as to why Apple will no longer participate? Don't they use this conference to announce and promote iPod/iPhone products as well?

[jeff061]

Just read an article. Other than questions about his health there is the possibility that they just don't have any products worthwhile. Or that they are shifting from the presentations to expanding their footprint through their retail stores.

[ISiddiqui]

there is the possibility that they just don't have any products worthwhile.

Some of us might say the haven't had any worthwile products for a while ;).

[SirFozzie]

and the rest of us think you're fucking nuts ;)

[ISiddiqui]

I'll talk my chances with the thimbleful of Macheads ;)

[Galaxy]

Some of us might say the haven't had any worthwile products for a while ;).

hxxp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mCCYLC-4xA

[wade moore]

I'll talk my chances with the thimbleful of Macheads ;)

You might want to do a google search on this little thing called the "iPod".

[Dutch]

iPod's are cool. It's iTunes that I despise.

Overseas, AppleTV is a big hit for me but I wonder how long that has before it tanks...

[flere-imsaho]

I thought this made sense even when it was just a rumor.

For one, I'm sure Apple feels a bit constrained to always have some major announcement for MacWorld. To say nothing of the WWDC as well.

For two, if Jobs is starting to look into succession planning, he's got to start to wean the fanbase/press/etc... off of the idea that he's the sole figurehead at the company.

Bottom-line: it's probably more a sign of Apple success than anything else.

[SportsDino]

Ya, I always thought I would be pissed if i was in Steve Jobs position and my share price dropped every time I sneezed in public. Investors = dumb.

[ISiddiqui]

You might want to do a google search on this little thing called the "iPod".

I'm betting the vast majority of iPod users have PC's at home.

[JediKooter]

Why is this a suprise for everyone when it was announced before the last NAB that Apple is scaling down its presence at these shows?

For the 2007 NAB, my department alone probably sent 30-40 people to NAB. For the 2008 NAB, we sent 3 and did not have a 'booth'.

The main reason Apple is pulling out of all these shows is because they were getting too expensive and now with the presence of Apple stores everywhere, there's really no need to go to them. Plus, the current economic times doesn't really make sense to spend the extra money right now.

The funny thing is, it's not just Apple pulling out of these shows. I think Adobe and some other big names have been scalling down/not going to these shows as well.

This is going on throughout the industry, not just Apple.

[jeff061]

Why is this a suprise for everyone when it was announced before the last NAB that Apple is scaling down its presence at these shows?

Combination of no one caring and following Apple that closely and Jobs looking like death warmed over.

[JediKooter]

Combination of no one caring and following Apple that closely and Jobs looking like death warmed over.

I can see the no one carring part for sure. I guess it's just a 'meh' for me. Oh well. :)