Mikey Campbell
A handful of recently discovered job listings suggest a possible next-generation iWork software suite may soon see release, with the latest postings asking for specialists in quality assurance, one of the final steps in software building.
While some of the listings date back to the end of March, the most recent ad for "SW QA iWork" (via AppleBitch) hit Apple's job portal only two days ago.
As of this writing, there are eight iWork-related positions on the "Jobs at Apple" webpage, three of which deal with quality assurance or software verification. One listing, posted on May 11, is looking for a software quality assurance specialist, a sign that Apple could be readying deployment some time soon.
From the job listing:
The iWork team is looking for a software QA engineer to work on the next generation of Desktop, Mobile and Web application/services. This position requires a self-motivated individual with strong problem solving skills who can contribute in a dynamic team environment.
- Bug reporting and isolation
- Planning, designing, and executing test cases
- Ensure the successful delivery of a quality product by performing ad hoc and structured tests on a daily basis
In another interesting post from May 7, a "HiDP Image Specialist" is sought, with the ideal candidate to be tasked with aiding the iWork visual design team in translating graphics to Retina-toting devices. At the very least, the job ad reveals Apple is looking add high-resolution screen support to its productivity suite.
While there has yet to be any official word on a next-gen iWork product, the number of job listings and information therein strongly suggest such a product is in the offing, and could be released in the near future. The current iWork '09, which includes Pages, Numbers and Keynote, was released in 2009, and is seen by some to be long overdue for an upgrade.
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54 Comments
Does 'next generation' mean our kids will be seeing the next update?
Does 'next generation' mean our kids will be seeing the next update?
Actually, it means that the next update will happen in the 24th century.
If we're only seeing these job postings now, we aren't going to see an update in the apps for years.
If we're only seeing these job postings now, we aren't going to see an update in the apps for years.
Because… no one on the team right now is physically capable of doing any work?
Why even do anything else to iWork? It's already 100% perfect. Right tallest? /s