The Return of Steve Jobs.

Well it's official. Steve Jobs is going to return to the helm of Apple at the end of June. But with the company's Worldwide Developers Conference next week, speculation is now arising as to whether or not the return of Steve will be made in a public manner such as appearing at said keynote (affectionately referred to as SteveNote by followers).

Jobs is known for making large product announcements at these events (ahem, iPhone) and with many rumors swirling about tablets, new iPhone hardware, more details on the 3.0 software, it would seem to only make sense to have Steve usher these new features in. Philip Schiller plans on giving the Monday keynote address (a role reserved for Steve in the past.) What isn't clear is if Steve is coming back in full force or will gradually return to the company starting at the end of this month.

Regardless of how Steve returns, Apple has shown it can survive and continue to deliver amazing consumer products without the Steve Jobs. While this is no doubt a sad thing as many people identifiy Steve Jobs with Apple and not the other various figureheads that have now sprouted up to take his talkative, social, and fun place at these keynotes. It means a lot more to investors who when getting word of Mr. Jobs health immediatley showed their support in the form of selling their stocks left and right. Investors were furious that Steve wasn't sharing his medical bill of health, and now months later...it seems as though faith has been restored without Steve.

A new iPhone (3.0 hardware + software) around this time would be perfect for people on 2 year service agreements eBay the old phones and pick up the new ones. While many rumors are up in the air, many people would be hard pressed to believe that a new iPhone will not be debuted. Whichver the case, we'll just have to wait to next week and see.