However, the company will again have to do without CEO Steve Jobs, who has been granted medical leave.

The specific nature of Jobs' heath concerns are unknown; it is known, however, that the technology pioneer left Apple for six months in 2009 to have a liver transplant and had battled health problems for several years before that.

Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook will stand in, as he did during Jobs two other medical leaves (he also had pancreatic cancer surgery in 2004).  

CNET reports: "Though Apple refuses to publicly comment on its eventual succession plans for who will head the company after Jobs leaves someday, Cook is regarded by some as the logical choice. He doesn't have Jobs' charisma or knack for knowing what customers want in a phone or computer product, but he runs the company in the way Jobs has long envisioned."

Investors and technology lovers worry about the long-term health of their guru, who is seen as essential to Apple's dominance. The LA Times says the company is geared up to cruise without Jobs for some time, however: 

"His absence will not be a major concern with such strong momentum and product line in the pipeline for the next few years, but if the absence is prolonged, it could deflate the stock."

In an email to employees, Jobs wrote: “I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can." He plans to “be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.”

One piece of speculation says Jobs could be suffering from liver transplant complications, but that is purely speculation. Everyone wants to know: just how bad is it?