Conflicting Reports on Steve Jobs' Potential Attendance at iPhone Event

[MacRumors]

With Apple's iPhone media event set for tomorrow, many have been wondering whether Steve Jobs will be in attendance given concerns over his health and this being the first public event for the company since Tim Cook officially became CEO. Beyond mere speculation, the uncertainty over Jobs' potential attendance is even reflected among those who have apparently been hearing word from sources who might be in a position to know of Jobs' plans.

Reuters suggests, without giving a solid sourcing for the claim, that Jobs is indeed "expected" to be in attendance tomorrow.

The Apple co-founder, a pancreatic cancer survivor who stepped down in August after his third medical leave, is expected to make an appearance, though a no-show by the Apple co-founder will not be a major disappointment.

Reuters also vaguely claims that the next-generation iPhone is "widely expected" to have a larger screen, apparently rehashing reports from sources it cited earlier this year. Recent parts leaks have, however, revealed the N94 iPhone 4S to be essentially identical to the iPhone 4 form factor, and essentially no concrete evidence of a redesigned iPhone 5 has surfaced beyond third-party case designs.

As for Steve Jobs, Robert Scoble takes the opposite position from Reuters, claiming that he is hearing from his sources that Jobs will not be in attendance.

I'm hearing that Steve Jobs won't be at tomorrow's press event. He's just not feeling well enough to come out in public, I hear (and yes, that makes me sad, the industry will really miss him and they will see again tomorrow why). I keep wishing that these continued rumors are wrong, but know in my head that they probably are right. That said, tomorrow will be ALL about Steve Jobs even though he probably won't be mentioned much, beyond something like "Steve is watching today's keynote from the comfort of his home and he sends his best wishes to all of you."

Tim Cook is expected to lead tomorrow's presentation, with significant assistance from other key executives such as Phil Schiller and Scott Forstall.

Article Link: Conflicting Reports on Steve Jobs' Potential Attendance at iPhone Event

 

[rdowns]

I don't see Jobs showing up. His presence will only serve to undermine Cook and overshadow the announcement.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Maybe for a One More Thing?

 

[teleromeo]

I guess he will do a facetime appearance ...

 

[usman93]

Screen size

I want a bigger screen, so android users dont brag! GO

 

[Juan007]

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I bet Cook announces iPhone 4s. Then "one more thing" is SJ announcing iPhone 5!!

 

[GaryMumford]

Steve, Stay at home and get well.

 

[Tabris82]

If I was a betting man I'd say they will call him in a Demo.

 

[usman93]

Steve, Stay at home and get well.

agreed. Haha we dont want him to have a heart attack as soon he anounces the iphone 5/4s

 

[adztaylor]

I don't see Jobs showing up. His presence will only serve to undermine Cook and overshadow the announcement.

I agree, just can't see him being there. Could well be wrong though, I mean no one truly knows the situation regarding his health.

 

[42streetsdown]

I don't see Jobs showing up. His presence will only serve to undermine Cook and overshadow the announcement.

I agree. I think if he'll definitely be a part of future presentations if his heath permits. Right now though it's important for the public to see Cook in charge. It's all about showing confidence in the new CEO.

has there been any news of a live stream?

 

[t22design]

I bet Cook announces iPhone 4s. Then "one more thing" is SJ announcing iPhone 5!!

Not going to happen.

1. Jobs won't be on stage, if he is there at all.
2. iPhone 4S is the only iPhone being announced.

 

[Ugg]

I think it would be best if he weren't there. Tim needs a chance on his own. SJ's presence might be a distraction.

 

[Frankied22]

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Steve Jobs won't be on stage but you know who will? Mr. Redesigned iPhone 5. That's who.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I guess he will do a facetime appearance ...

If they have some need for demonstrating FaceTime, this would be reasonable.

If Steve Jobs has any more presence than that, though, it would only undermine investors confidence in Tim Cook when Steve Jobs is truly gone.

 

[nylonsteel]

re original article

i'll fall off my bar stool if mr jobs appears on stage and says
"oh and just one more thing..."
then whips out the sexy ip5 that every aapl fan has been dreaming about

 

[aikomhoch]

I don't see Jobs showing up. His presence will only serve to undermine Cook and overshadow the announcement.

While I don't disagree....

On the other hand, SJ sitting in the audience shows that he's involved, which leads to consumer and investor confidence. There's a way to do it so that he's not the center of attention and so that the torch is passed.

 

[Adidas Addict]

I phone 5 baby

 

[MannieSolo]

I believe Steve comes out first and thanks everyone for coming and gives a short speech about how proud he is to have represented the company blah blah blah then he passes the powerpoint clicker to Tom. I think that would be classy

 

[iKream]

Jobs to attend?

I think he won't come as much as he would like to. Pictures two days after he quit showed him in TERRIBLE shape. I think he should have a separate event just for him.

 

[arizona654]

Facetime

+1 for the Facetime appearance.

And I'm hoping an A5 AppleTV is the "One More Thing".

So..... ANY news of live streaming or do we have to watch the Macrumorslive.com feed?

 

[surf2snow1]

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If I was a betting man I'd say they will call him in a Demo.

Assistant call Steve.

 

[iheartiphone4]

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I hope Steve is there. He's my hero.

 

[puckhead193]

i don't see it. It would be nice to see him but I think it will undermined Cook. The only way I see it if its like a last hurrah sorta thing...

 

[AnthonyHarris]

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I bet Cook announces iPhone 4s. Then "one more thing" is SJ announcing iPhone 5!!

You guessed right

No.