How reliant is Apple on Steve Jobs?

As I'm sure the world is aware by now, Steve Jobs has resigned from his position as chief guru and visionary for Apple. He was responsible for iTunes, iPods, iPads, iPhones etc. etc.

Most would say his return to the company prevented it from going under and his leadership has made it one of the most profitable companies in the world. He is more important to Apple, the Bill Gates was to Microsoft.

The simple question is will Apple survive without him?

I hope so; I've always been very happy with my Apple products. I would think that the company has enough good things going that they'll be able to keep doing well, but I know nothing about how the business works.

For the time being I imagine they're fine but they've had one trough in sales and creativity before, they may have one again. It's fascinating that the Apple Newton was considered a bit of a joke but when tech caught up and the iPad was possible, Apple is now the gold standard of computing. I know it wasn't just the iPad, the triple whammy of iPods (doing something many machines before it had done, but sexier), iPhones, and iPads have made their current lead seem unassailable. I'm curious why there has never been any significant backlash towards the brand the way other successful brands get pilloried.

As one who has always loved Apple products and even owns some stock in the company, I certainly hope they'll be able to move boldly forward in his absence. But there's no question he's made an enormous difference in the company's achievements of recent years.

I think Apple will change without Steve Jobs, no question. His input has been incredibly important and no one else will be able to lead it in the same way he has done. Whether that change is for good or ill remains to be seen. I think we should have a good idea of how things are going to be handled and how well the company will adapt by the time the next CES rolls around. At that point, if they're still innovating and influencing everyone else, I'd say it's a really good sign.

world will remember steve for his brilliant mind creativity....
veronica hearst

You could stand on the pile of money Apple has and look down on the ISS. They're also having an all hands internal staff meeting tomorrow.

There are several countries that would probably be willing to rebrand themselves in order to get their hands on that kind of money.

Should have seen some of the hipsters on CNN keeping vigil over the Apple store in NYC like it was a fucking church, pathetic.

Also RIP Jobs.