Jobs to be back at Apple helm; but may miss WWDC

Ending months of speculation about his health, IT giant Apple's iconic chief executive Steve Jobs may be back at the helm later this month. However, he may miss Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco next week, where Apple is likely to unveil new iphone models and spring other surprises.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting people familiar with Apple, stated that "after months of uncertainty about Steve Jobs' health, the Apple Inc chief executive appears on track to return from medical leave this month".

The report said Jobs' recovery "is coming along" and he is on schedule to return to work later this month.

While Jobs has been on sick leave, some Apple directors have gotten weekly updates about his medical condition from the chief executive's physician, the daily said citing a person familiar with the matter.

Speculation has been rife whether Jobs would make an appearance at the company's WWDC - particularly because he is known for making surprise announcements at event, the daily noted.

53-year old Jobs, a survivor of pancreatic cancer, went on medical leave in January. He earlier exhibited significant weight loss, and cited a nutritional problem related to a hormone imbalance. His unexpected departure, and few details about ailment, left some investors worried about whether he would return.