A Jobsian Void?

Today’s lackluster iPhone announcement at the Apple WorldWide Developers Conference left rabid online fanatics disappointed and wanting more. The letdown has to leave many customers, potential buyers and investors wondering now that Jobs is gone as CEO, “Is this the beginning of the end?”

Perhaps what made today so disappointing was the incredible tension and excitement built up before the iPhone announcement. Instead of a great new iPhone, Apple delivered 3G S. 3G S adds some functionality, but is really the same device with a few new features.

In essence, Apple took a card out of the automobile manufacturer promo catalog between major model revisions. Say it’s new for 2009 by providing a minor feature upgrade! Heck even put a new letter on the end of the name.

So instead of fulfillment, Apple/AT&T users got a dud, and one that would cost $500 to upgrade to the maximum 3G S unit. Not the most advisable tactic for a company that wants to keep its brand evangelists happy.

When Jobs left in the 90s, Apple crashed. Many have argued the current executives are a stronger bunch, that a succession plan was in place to replace the mad genius.

First indicators show that Apple may be in for a tough road in the post Jobs era (assuming the mad genius doesn’t return). And while the WWDC was not a complete disaster, it’s going to take more than 1.0 megapixel upgrade or a price drop to keep the Nokia, Palms, Dells and HPs of the world from capitalizing on Jobs’ absence. PR is more than an announcement. It requires substantive actions that back up the hype.