Can Apple Survive Without Steve Jobs at the Helm?

I wrote this article back in March, 2011, when Steve Jobs suffered somewhat of a health scare. I thought it would be an interesting and relevant thing to share, especially in the wake of Jobs' recent resignation as the CEO of Apple. 

Regarding the review of It's Worth What?, I'll be posting that tomorrow. Thanks for your understanding.

It is often said that a well-oiled machine can only function properly if all of its parts able to work in sync with each other. However, what happens when a key part of the machine is suddenly removed?

Such is the situation that Apple is currently facing. Co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs, the driving force of the Apple machine, has suddenly taken ill, and is on an indefinite medical leave as a result.


Jobs was not present at a recent Apple shareholders' meeting, and Apple executives refused to reveal whether or not a possible successor for Jobs has been named. However, he did attend a meeting with some of the tech industry’s major players. Also present at that meeting was U.S. president Barack Obama.


Since founding Apple in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs has overseen the creation of many of the company's signature products, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, in addition to their extensive line of computers. However, the main question for many has been whether or not Apple can soldier on without Jobs at the helm. Jobs is active in the creation of every new Apple product, and things would not be the same without his input, creativity, leadership, and overall presence.


If something were to happen to Jobs, Apple would most likely still be able to hold its own in the crowded technology market. Its world-renowned product line is highly successful. However, the personal contributions Jobs makes to the company are irreplaceable. No one could ever emulate Jobs’ charisma, ideas, and ingenuity.

The task of overseeing Apple’s daily operations has been handed to chief operating officer Tim Cook in the interim. Cook has assumed this role twice before while Jobs took medical leaves. Under Cook, Apple maintained its status quo, and it continued to do so upon Jobs’ return.

While Jobs is a crucial part of Apple’s operations, the company’s successes have guaranteed that it will continue to be a force in the tech world for years to come. In theory, the company could survive without Jobs at the helm, but his insight and presence would be sorely missed.

Note: Tim Cook has now officially replaced Steve Jobs as the CEO of Apple. Jobs made the decision to step down recently, and it has been rumoured that his health may have been a factor in this decision. Many people have also said that Cook, who has pinch-hit for Jobs before, was the natural choice to follow in his footsteps.

Replacing Jobs will no doubt be a difficult task for Cook, but I'm convinced that it was the right move. Jobs will be missed, but the company's impressive line of gadgetry will more or less ensure that they are successful for years to come. I can guarantee you that Jobs' dynamic personality and black turtleneck sweaters will certainly be missed at the launch of Apple's next big product, whatever it is.