There's even talk, according to the WSJ, about the Apple CEO making an appearance at the annual software developers' conference next week in SF, possibly to unveil a new iPhone. Others dismiss that possibility. His unexpected departure at the start of the year, along with a shocking weight loss, led to all sorts of rumors about whether the guy would even come back.

While Mr. Jobs has been on sick leave, some Apple directors have gotten weekly updates about his medical condition from the CEO's physician, according to a person familiar with the matter. Mr. Jobs's recovery "is coming along" and he is on schedule to return to work later this month, said this person, who has seen Mr. Jobs in recent weeks. "He was one real sick guy,'' added this person. "Fundamentally he was starving to death over a nine-month period. He couldn't digest protein. [But] he took corrective action.''