Health of Steve Jobs

Anonymous sources have come forward to talk about the health of Apple CEO Steve Jobs, writes the New York Times. In a recent conference call Apple's CFO refused to discuss the state of Jobs, except to call the issue a "a private matter" and say Jobs would stay on as CEO. This has done little to assuage cancer fears however, triggered by an unusually thin physique at the 2008 WWDC keynote. Jobs was treated for pancreatic cancer four years ago, and some have worried that the illness has returned.

The sources quoted by the Times -- who say they cannot be identified because Jobs has not authorized them to speak -- claim the executive had a surgery earlier this year, designed to remedy a problem that was producing the weight loss. Jobs is said to have had nutritional concerns following his original cancer surgery, which could itself have produced low energy and weight loss.

Analysts say that investors are worried about Jobs' condition, as he is not only the public face of Apple but largely credited with the company's financial rebirth, having imposed his influence on many facets. Recent stock slides are, however, said to mainly be connected to a predicted decline in gross margins.

by MacNN Staff