In a note to clients, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said he believes a press release from Apple on Wednesday regarding its WWDC keynote plans suggests the event will largely focus around software and may have even been drafted as such to reset expectations for the conference.
"As indicated in today's press release, we believe Apple will focus on the new version of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard at WWDC," he wrote. "While some investors may be expecting Apple to launch redesigned iPhones at WWDC, we do not anticipate the launch in early June."
Instead, Munster is placing his money on a surprise media event that would take place sometime in late June or early July following Jobs' return. He believes the event will be used to usher in a new "family" of iPhones, including a cheaper model that he sees playing into Apple's strategy for the Chinese cell phone market which could materialize by September.
"We continue to expect multiple models, possibly a high-end iPhone with improved specs from the current version and a low-end version with lower capacity and fewer features along with a reduced pricing plan," the analyst wrote.
With Phil Schiller announced as the keynote speaker for this year's WWDC, some investors may have renewed concern that Jobs may never return to the company, according to Munster, who maintains his belief that co-founder is on track to return later in the month, per comments from other members of the company's leadership.
"This is consistent with our expectations as well as Apple's indications that Steve Jobs is still planning on returning to the company 'at the end of June' (emphasis added)," he wrote. "In order for Jobs to deliver the keynote on June 8th, he would likely begin preparations well before his intended return date."
Munster's presumptions may carry some weight given that new iPhone hardware will require advancements present in iPhone Software 3.0, which is unlikely to be ready for public consumption as early as WWDC. Only last week did Apple issue a mandate requiring all developers to certify that new and updated app submissions are compatible with the upcoming software update.
47 Comments
I hope Steve regains his health but extends his leave of absence to work on his house. I am just about finished with my new house which has been under construction for almost a year. A project like Steve's will take a lot of energy on his part but is a really rewarding endeavor. As long as he is healthy, it shouldn't affect Apple stock adversely if he extends his leave since he could return at any time he chooses.
Umm, this actually does make sense.
Guess we may have to wait several more weeks for iPhone hardware updates.
If Apple waits for Steve they'll be making a huge mistake. They need to show the world that they can do major product releases without him.
Apple simply must separate themselves and their products from Steve. That way it won't matter what he looks like on stage. The alternative is more of the same obsession with his health.
While I have no idea either, if I were in charge at Apple the last thing I would want to do would be to fuel the Cult of Steve. I sincerely hope that Jobs is well into his recovery, but Apple needs to reassure that it can go it without Steve, something that eventually must happen as we are all mortal.
If Apple waits for Steve they'll be making a huge mistake. They need to show the world that they can do major product releases without him.
Apple simply must separate themselves and their products from Steve. That way it won't matter what he looks like on stage. The alternative is more of the same obsession with his health.
Exactimo - big mistake to bring back Steve. Just when he/we thought he was out they couldn't possibly pull him back in, could they? He may insist, of course...