Apple fired a rare miss last quarter with slowed growth, declining iPhone sales and a drop in profit. iPhone sales were pointedly down in the second half of the quarter after iOS 5 was announced and speculation of a new iPhone intensified.

As always, Apple is playing the slip off in a typically calm, cool and collected manner. The drop in iPhone sales was less than expected, according to executives, and CEO Tim Cook said he is “confident that (Apple) will set an all-time record for iPhone this quarter.”

iPhone sales were up 21% year-over-year to 17.07 million units, but down from the previous two quarters. Year-over-year iPad sales shot up 166% to a new high of 11.12 million, Mac sales jumped 26% to 4.89 million and iPod sales declined 27% to 6.62 million. Read more

The world lost one of the great ones today in Steve Jobs. Apple confirmed that Jobs died today at the age of 56.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

“Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”

A tribute at Apple’s site reads: “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.” Read more

**As published in RCR Wireless News**

When I think of Steve Jobs, feelings of wonder and absolute awe rush over me. Jobs is without a doubt, the most iconoclastic creative mind of the modern age. If that makes me a fanboy, so be it. If liking Apple Inc. products makes me a fanboy, I’m fine with that too.

Jobs is in a league of his own. No one has done more to disrupt mobile technology, consumer electronics and entertainment in such a short span of time. His personality, brilliant mind and business acumen commands respect, fear and unbridled attention. When Jobs says something or does something, it matters. People take note and react. Read more

**As published in RCR Wireless News**

No matter how you slice it, today marks the end of an era for Apple Inc. Steve Jobs has resigned as CEO.

Jobs isn’t going anywhere immediately though. He’s been elevated to chairman of the board so he’s likely to remain very much involved with the company.

Tim Cook, previously COO at Apple, has been named CEO.

Jobs submitted his resignation to the board today and strongly recommended his top deputy for the head job at what has become the second most valuable publicly-traded company in the world. Read more

**As published in RCR Wireless News**

For the first time since 2008, Apple Inc. (AAPL) declined to introduce a new iPhone today at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. CEO Steve Jobs and his team of executives pulled few, if any, surprises on stage, however the software and services upgrades announced today are arguably the biggest leap forward for iOS as a whole since Apple launched the App Store and opened up its platform to third-party developers more than three years ago.

While Apple’s series of announcements about iOS 5 and iCloud were significant, they’re also likely to receive a tempered reception because most of the news fell in line with rumors that were in heavy circulation leading up to today. On the flip side, Apple stirred up the mobile pot some more and likely upped the game for many startups and enterprise-focused incumbents that rely on its platform and massive user base for customers and revenue. Read more

**As published in RCR Wireless News**

SAN FRANCISCO – Although millions of fanboys and industry watchers have already seen what turned out to be the new iPhone 4 today, Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs still had a few surprises up his sleeve to share during his keynote at the company’s annual developer gathering.

If there is any less excitement or anticipation for Apple’s game-changing mobile device, that sure wasn’t apparent this morning. Lines began forming around the building at 6 a.m. this morning and when the gates to the main hall were finally raised for Jobs’ keynote there was a mad dash for seats (press included). The whole experience felt very rock concert in typical Apple fashion. Read more

**As published at paidContent**

SAN FRANCISCO—Apple’s Steve Jobs took the stage in San Francisco this morning with a blaring quote overhead that read: “reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Then he broke into the task at hand. In addition to bringing NBC content back to the iTunes store, Apple is also adding high-definition TV shows for $2.99 each, including shows from NBC.

—iTunes 8: A new version was released today that includes new browsing capabilities and a Genius recommendation feature that automatically creates playlists from songs in the iTunes library. Jobs: “It helps you rediscover music in your music library.” The Genius algorithms, which were developed internally, will pull up results instantly after users opt in to share their library’s information with Apple. Once users opt in, iTunes will upload information about users’ libraries anonymously and combine the knowledge from other iTunes users that do the same. Genius playlists range from 25, 50, 75 or 100 tracks and includes a Genius Sidebar that pulls up recommended tracks from the iTunes store. Results are automatically updated once a week. Read more

**As published at RCR Wireless News**

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. has delivered on its promise to offer a software development kit (SDK) to spur the growth of mobile applications for the iPhone. Thus far the only third-party applications out there are Web sites that simply make use of the touchscreen.

The SDK is now available for download from Apple’s Web site. The SDK is designed to work on Apple’s iPhone 2.0 software update, which is scheduled to be released in June. The SDK, which was initially announced last year, will expand the unique relationship Apple has carved out for itself between device maker and end user. Indeed, Apple is the sole party responsible for the iPhone’s software and applications set.

The newly open iPhone system will rely on Apple’s App Store, which will serve as the exclusive distribution channel for all applications built for the iPhone and iPod Touch (which will need the 2.0 software update to run third-party applications). Developers interested in getting their applications on board will have to join the iPhone Developer Program for $99 and relinquish 30% of revenues to Apple. Read more