Apple has announced that Macworld 2009 will be its last appearance in the event. In addition, Steve Job will also not deliver its highly anticipated keynote speech at Macworld 2009 too.
Now the question is: What’s inside Steve Job’s mind? Why is he making such a bold and drastic decision?
Here are a few scenarios and possibilities:
- His health condition
- Apple succession planning for someone else to start taking over
- Apple has NO product to launch
Steve Job
Can Apple Sustain The Hype without Steve?
Regardless whatever reasons behind this decision, I am sure this signal that Steve Job’s presence and era in Apple is coming to an end. Apple has experienced a difficulty situation while its founder Steve was not in the company. Will history repeat itself that Apple will be taking downhill again?
Although Steve has been instrumental to turn Apple around, there is increased acceptance of Apple products, but I think the big success really came from its iPod, iTunes store and its latest iPhone devices. Some improvement on the Mac unit sold but it has reported to be no growth for Mac compared to PC last month.
It might have come to a point that Apple has to reinvent itself to bring some new innovation to the table. But if without Steve Job, can Apple Do it? I have doubt now!
Macworld without Apple Is NOT Macworld
On its face, Apple announced in the press release that Apple (AAPL) has cheaper and more effective venues for reaching its audience — on its own terms and its own schedule. This was cited as the reason for the Macworld exit.
My first impression is that this decision will be a BIG blow to IDG. Why is Macworld called a Macworld without Apple presence? Apple is the inventor of Mac. If Apple does not support or endorse the event, why would other support it? I am always looking forward to see the news of Macworld for only one reason, to listen to Steve to see what are the new product lineup that is coming up. Being an engineer myself, that’s the most satisfying moment to see how technology innovation is changing people life.
So, will I still follow Macworld news if not new announcement from Apple? Probably not!!!
There was already some friction between IDG and Apple dated back in 2002 while IDG decided to move Macworld from San Francisco to Boston. IDG chief Charlie Greco, apparently thinking at that moment Jobs needed IDG’s expo more than the expo needed Jobs from the following quote:
“You know how badly they want to do San Francisco,†[Greco] said. “We don’t have to let them.”
Maybe Apple is taking revenge and stab IDG for its arrogant ;-)
