It looks like Saint Steve may be gearing up for his official return to Apple, and the Silicon Valley news machine is gearing up right alongside him.

Today when Apple announced the one-millionth iPhone 3GS sold, there was a quote from Jobs in the press release. Normally this isn't news at all, but this is the first time in a while that the executive quote was given by Jobs. During the recent health hiatus, Phil Schiller was the one talking about the newest products. Granted, it doesn't take a lot of work to give a quote, but is this an indication that Jobs is ready to return?

When Jobs does return, there will be plenty of speculation on just what went on during his absence. A recent report in the Wall Street Journal claimed that Jobs dealt with a bit more than a hormone deficiency, he actually had to receive a liver transplant.

Knowing how Jobs and Apple handle these sort of things, we may never know exactly how serious Jobs' health concerns were, and what measures had to be taken. When he does come back, however, I think everyone from the consumers to Apple employees to those of us in the press who cover the company will welcome him back.

23 Jun 2009