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Witnesses spot Steve Jobs back on Apple campus

updated 11:50 pm EDT, Mon June 22, 2009

Steve Jobs back to work?

Steve Jobs reportedly was present at Apple's campus on Monday, according to several witness accounts. An unnamed Reuters reporter claims to have spotted the executive at the company headquarters, where he chatted with another person while wearing his black turtleneck and bluejeans. If true, Jobs' presence at the Apple headquarters could indicate he is again taking hold of the reins following a six month leave of absence.

Other executives previously acknowledged that the iconic CEO has still maintained involvement with the company through his time off. Although Jobs has not yet announced a formal return to work, he was quoted in a recent press release regarding early iPhone 3GS sales. "Customers are voting, and the iPhone is winning," he observed.

Despite Apple's desire to keep details of Jobs' health a private matter, a source recently told the Wall Street Journal the executive received a liver transplant in Tennessee.

Although the transplant report remains unconfirmed, the Journal's apparent confidence in the claim and lack of sourcing has lead many, including John Gruber of Daring Fireball, to consider the possibility that the leak was intentionally placed by an Apple board member. The timing is suspiciously favorable for Apple, considering the iPhone 3GS launch earlier in the week. The story was also published late Friday night, a time when many people are not paying close attention to the news and the stock market is days from opening again.

The Journal story claims Apple directors were aware of the surgery. The board is known to receive regular medical updates by Jobs' doctor, although employees further down the chain would be unlikely to know specific details. Apple spokeswoman Katie Cotton claims the executive is on track to return in June, but there is "nothing further to say."

 
Previous Comments

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06/23, 08:31am reply

It could mean he showed up to clean out his desk.
or
It could mean he came back to visit some friends
or
It could mean he's coming back, but on a reduced schedule
or
It could have been someone else wearing a turtleneck and blue jeans and was misidentified.

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

-5

Oh

06/23, 08:32am reply

And if some guy with a web blog thinks it could have been placed by a board member, that must mean its true!

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

-3

unbelievably stupid

06/23, 08:59am (1 reply) reply

Oh god, this is news now??

He claimed he was to return in June (check your calendars). Plus, he just issued a frickin' press release about the iPhone. Of course the guy is back at work. Jeez.

Jeronimo2000

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

-1

Welcome back SJ

06/23, 09:33am reply

I'm just happy to see his recovery seems to be going well.

Whether Steve Jobs, the CEO, is back at Apple long term or not, I wish Steve Jobs, the man, a long, happy , healthy life.

cwsmith

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2007

+10

Other "Sightings"

06/23, 11:02am (1 reply) reply

Other witnesses have reportedly seen Bigfoot, Elvis, a couple of UFO's, and a Mac NetBook at the Apple Campus in Cupertino.

Apple executives declined comment, but one inside source dismissed these sightings as "swamp gas".

Mr. Reeman

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Mar 2009

+1

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