Apple without Jobs is still sweet
TEXT OF STORY
Bill Radke: Apple’s annual software developer’s conference kicks off in San Francisco today, and you know what that means: some shiny, new thing from Apple — and speculation about whether or not we’ll see Steve Jobs. He’s been on medical leave for months. But as Stacey Vanek-Smith reports, the company is thriving.
Stacey Vanek-Smith: Can Apple be Apple without Steve Jobs? The computer maker’s shares plunged earlier this year when Jobs went on medical leave. But a funny thing happened: Apple did just fine, says industry Analyst Tim Bajarin.
Tim Bajarin: The last six months have shown that, you know, they can actually do quite well if Steve’s not there day to day. At least in the market’s perception, it’s less coupled to Steve than it was, let’s say, six to 12 months ago.
Bajarin says Jobs is still a major creative force at the company. But, he says, Apple has clearly developed a strong team and corporate culture.
Carl Howe: Apple is not Steve Jobs’ $25 billion playground.
Yankee Group analyst Carl Howe says even with Jobs out of the daily mix, Apple has thrived when most other tech companies are flailing.
Howe: Apple is proving to be one of the most recession-resistant technology companies.
Howe says Apple understands its own brand, and has continued to focus on sleek, consumer-friendly electronics. Like the iPhone. A new one of those, by the way, could be unveiled today.
I’m Stacey Vanek-Smith for Marketplace.
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