Jobs' battles with pancreatic cancer -- and speculation over his current health -- have both caused commotion on Wall Street. In June rumors of new problems began to spring up, as people noticed an unusually thin figure during WWDC. Apple officials passed this off as a "common bug," and in recent weeks talk of Jobs' health has quieted down. Concern remains, however, that Apple could become aimless without its present boss, who is said to dictate much of the company's philosophy, and micro-manage details.

It is standard practice for news organizations to prepare obituaries in advance, even for otherwise healthy people. The Jobs piece does not contain any references to a new condition.