Apple cancels Apple Expo keynote address

Previous reports had indicated that Apple chief executive Steve Jobs would kick-off the show in typical fashion, delivering at least one major product announcement. Several industry figures had also been told to expect to hear from the Apple co-founder at the show.

As recently as last week, the Apple Expo Web site stated that the Apple Expo 2005 Keynote presentation would be held at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, on Tuesday, 20 September at 10:00 am.

Visitors were encouraged to "register for this special event and receive your K-marked entry badge for the Keynote and Apple Expo."

However, this weekend show organizers changed the Web site to read "Apple Expo will not feature a formal keynote presentation at Palais des Congrès."

A representative for Apple Expo told The Mac Observer that show organizers were informed of Jobs' decision to back out of the keynote presentation over the weekend.

No formal explanation for the change in plans has been provided at this time.

According to reliable sources, at one point Apple was planning to introduce as many as three new PowerPC-based Macintosh models at the show, including new PowerBook G4 laptops. The new Macs are slated to include a fresh breed of processors from IBM and Freescale, which have caused, and may continue to cause, delays.

Jobs, along with several members of Apple's executive team, are still expected to attend the expo.