Steve Jobs back at Apple

 

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Posted on 23 Jun 2009 at 07:54

Steve Jobs was at Apple's headquarters yesterday, underscoring speculation the pancreatic cancer survivor may have returned to work.

Jobs, who has been on medical leave since January, was seen by a reporter leaving the Apple campus in Cupertino, California dressed in his trademark black turtleneck and jeans. He walked out chatting with another person before climbing into a black car that then drove off.

Speculation has mounted that Jobs could be back at work soon, fueled in part by a Wall Street Journal article last weekend that said the CEO had a liver transplant two months ago.

On Monday, Jobs, 54, was also cited in an Apple press release for the first time in months, triggering talk that the man considered the visionary behind Apple's innovation machine had returned from his leave of absence.

"This is the first time we've heard from Steve Jobs since he reported he was taking medical leave," said Oppenheimer & Co analyst Yair Reiner. "It's a sign Apple has its CEO back."

Apple said in the release that it had sold more than 1 million of its newest iPhone 3GS in the first three days of launch, beating analysts' expectations.

"Customers are voting, and the iPhone is winning," Jobs said in the statement.

Apple, which has not disclosed details on Jobs' state of health while he's been on medical leave, declined to comment.

The company has said in the past that Jobs remains deeply involved in decision-making. He has visited Apple periodically since starting his medical leave in January, according to blog reports that follow his every move.

Jobs had a liver transplant two months ago, but was expected back at work before the end of June.