Your views: Is Apple doomed?

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Last Friday, in our bi-weekly newsletter we asked you how you thought Apple would fare without talismanic leader Steve Jobs at the helm.

Apple always generates strong opinions and this time was no different. Here are some of your thoughts.

Stephanie was unequivocal in her view: “Unless Apple finds someone as dynamic as Jobs, Apple will fall steeply. No two ways about it.”

Hugh fears that while Apple will still have success, its best days may now be behind it. “No doubt the company will continue to prosper but its golden days are nearing their end and it will slowly lose market share. Few companies survive three generations.”

Steve (no, not that one) was more positive about the fruity company, however, [i]“[Apple] is in a far stronger position than it was 10 years ago… it may not have the market share that Dell has but its products are more sophisticated stylish and reliable... so even without Steve Jobs, others in senior positions at Apple are extremely unlikely to let their product slide.”[/i]

Indeed, Max believes that now would actually be an ideal time for Jobs to vacant his seat on a permanent basis: “It’s not healthy for any company to be so publicly tied to one person that if that person should leave, the company is stranded without a rudder. Given the state of the company, now would be a good time for Jobs to move on or at least bring in a new face, and allow the company to develop a momentum all of its own, away from individual egos and ambitions.”

Whatever happens, Graham is adamant that if and when Jobs goes he needs to be followed by somebody willing to take risks: “Nothing is more likely to impede innovation than fear of failure. Whenever Jobs goes the worst thing that could happen to Apple would be to be led by 'a safe pair of hands'.

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