What will happen to Apple?

[yoyo5280]

apple will still make great products, but its STEVE who is the perfectionist.

Its steve who go to the meeting, throw the prototype, swear at everyone all this because it takes more than 3 clicks to do something simple.

 

[Mr. Giver '94]

He won't leave until he's dead.

The above option needs to be in the poll.

Agreed. Doing what he does is not a job to him, it's something he passionately believes in. This is probably the main reason why the company has been doing as relatively well as it has given the current economic times.

 

[Mr. Giver '94]

Apple is already badly on the wrong track, thinking that $1299 or even $999 is an 'entry-level laptop' or $599 is an 'entry-level desktop.'

Stripping features from the Macbook for the sake of 'marketecture' when it's priced like a no-compromises premium product is a breathtakingly arrogant move in today's economy.

I remember the bad old days of the 80's and 90's where Apple hardware was priced at a truly stupid premium and watched Apple's market share and software ecosystem dry up accordingly. Apple went through a renaissance over the last decade largely driven by the affordably-priced iMac/iBook/Mac Mini/Macbook lines that compared very well with comparably-configured PC hardware.

Unfortunately, it looks like his Steveness longs for a return to the wilderness. Hopefully things improve when he retires.

DEAR GOD PEOPLE!!!!!! JUST BECAUSE THEY REMOVED FIREWIRE FROM THE MACBOOK YOU THINK THE COMPANY IS TERRIBLE!!!!!! In case you haven't noticed, Apple is a HIGH END brand, not your el-cheepo Dell or IBM or some other PoS; that is why their products are not 400 bucks for entry level. I dare you to compare Apple to another company (Microsoft, I'm lookin at you) and you couldn't possibly give me enough if any reasons why Apple falls short of them. They can't do everything, but you have to admit that what they are able to do is pretty incredible.

 

[queshy]

not this again.
It seems like every day we get a new "Apple w/o SJ" thread. Anyways, I'll play: I think after Jobs stops running Apple the fanboys will be all disappointed (as I will be) but I think the world will keep turning (especially Wall street). Jobs himself didn't write Leopard. In fact, he knows very little about programming. Remember - he didn't even graduate from college. I have tons of respect for him but just remember that there's no I in team and SJ is always saying how it's all about finding the right people to do the job. Turn on your iPhone - and Google is on the first home screen! Apple knows when to seek help.

 

[Luftwaffles]

Sure, Jobs doesn't hand-build every Mac and write every piece of software (in fact, he doesn't write anything and never builds anything). But what Jobs really does is approve every single decision that Apple makes. The new product designs, new product IDEAS, and so on.

And to everyone complaining about the premium cost of the Macs, you get what you pay for. In this case, you get a seamlessly-integrated, very stable, aesthetically pleasing computer with a damn cool OS. Nothing's stopping you from buying a $299 bargain-bin desktop from WalMart and slapping OS X on it... except the lack of drivers, god-awful instability, reduced usability of some applications and lack of official tech support.

Want cheap? Buy a Dell.

Want good? You're in the right place.

 

[pawn3d]

Depends on who fill his seat... DUH

 

[pawn3d]

In case you haven't noticed, Apple is a HIGH END brand, not your el-cheepo Dell or IBM or some other PoS; that is why their products are not 400 bucks for entry level.

You believe that, huh? You're the exact customer they want: Clueless and ready to fight.

Did Apple hand out "Switch to Mac" pamphlets at the military base or something?

 

[Schtumple]

If Ive takes over, all will be good, but I think we'll see a slight change in the machines, they'll become more stylish, which I guess is a good thing, but I buy my computer to work well first, and look good second.

 

[mbleopard]

I agree. But now, if Jobs leaves, Apple will suffer. He is worth 30% of the entire company alone. The stock will surely take a huge nosedive.

Yea the stock price will most likely tumble a bit, but should be alright as long as there arent any other drastic changes that are made at the same time. Though I could see Apple discussing Steve Jobs stepping down at the same time as a major product release which would help keep the stock price stable.

I wonder if Jobs will sit on the board of directors or something like that after he gives up his role as CEO

 

[gkarris]

Like Bill Gates, just becuase he "leaves" doesn't mean he won't be around for the occasional advice and direction.

Now, if Steve passes-away...

 

[Chwisch87]

I really think that Steve Jobs is being possibly forced to step down as CEO. Its pretty clear to the shareholders that his health has become a liability to the company's stock price and his public appearances are clearly being phased out. His lack of any appearance at macworld and his previous apperances with apple higher-ups is pretty good evidence of this. Apple is clearly trying to move into the post-steve jobs era, even if steve wants it or not.

 

[MacTraveller]

What will happen to Apple?

Satan will give it to Eve.

And Eve will make Adam eat it.

 

[talkingfuture]

I think that after initial shock and maybe a dip in the share price and maybe even sales, they will recover as the top notch products keep coming along.

That is if he leaves, I don't think he is leaving soon but trying to reinforce the fact that this isn't a 1 man show.

 

[MacTraveller]

More serious attempt at answer:


What happens when Steve Jobs leaves Apple?

He will do a "Vladimir Putin". In other words, he will put someone else in charge, while lowering himself to a shadowy Sage Advisor Role For Life position.

He'll still be around. Still pulling strings. Just not in an official capacity.

Exactly like Vladimir Putin is "NO LONGER PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA". But everyone knows that Vladimir still calls the shots.

Exactly like Yahoo's Jerry Yang. Yeah, he was forced out as CEO. But they still let him keep the honorary advisory position of "Chief Yahoo". So yeah, he's still around, still has influence on the company. It's just not in an official leadership capacity.

In fact, the same exact thing with Bill Gates. he's technically not the CEO or leader of Microsoft anymore. He has stepped down to some nebulous advisory position called "Chief Software Architect". Bill still has huge influence in the company. If Bill Gates really really insists on something... Ballmer has to listen to him. It's just the way it is.

Perhaps Steve Jobs will create a swanky honorary position for himself once he steps down... something catchy like "Chief Apple Genius For Life".