End of an era for Apple

By eGovInnovation Editors | Aug 25, 2011

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"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a letter to employees that marked his exit from the company.

Jobs, who will remain with the company as chairman of the board, named Apple's chief operation officer Tim Cook as his successor.

"While this marks the end of an era for Apple, it's important to remember the there's more to Apple than any one person, even Steve Jobs. Continuing as chairman Mr. Jobs will continue to leave his mark on both the company and products even as he transfers the reigns to Mr. Cook," said Michael Gartenberg, research director at Gartner Inc.

In April, the analyst firm said that despite mounting competition from other operating systems (OSs), Apple's iOS will continue to own the majority of the worldwide media tablet through 2015.

"Due to the success of Apple's iPad, iOS will account for 69 percent of media tablet OSs in 2011, and represent 47 percent of the media tablet market in 2015," it said, adding that the Apple iPad did to the tablet PC market what the iPhone did to the smartphone market: re-invented it. 

In 2Q11, research firm IDC also reported that Apple surpassed long-time market leader Nokia for the first time in smartphone sales, posting a very strong 141.7 percent growth in shipment from first quarter figures, according to research firm IDC.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Cook was responsible for all of the company's worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of the company's supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries.

Jan Dawson, chief telecoms analyst at Ovum, said Cook has been running the company since Jobs began his latest medical leave in January and the broad direction and strategy of the company was already in place. However, he said with the recent development Apple may have "to face greater challenges in the longer term."

"I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it," said Jobs. "And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role."