This was Apple’s last year at Macworld, and according to their own words, such events don’t do the trick anymore, as there are better, more efficient ways to reach consumers now. But is it possible that CES might have gotten in between Macworld and Apple?

 

According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple ruled out the Macworld event next year in order to attend the Consumer Electronics Show, Apple Insider reports. Furthermore, it looks like the deal has been settled already.

 

The question that comes to everyone’s mind right now is how honest was Apple’s statement back in December, according to which Apple is reaching more people in more ways than ever before, so like many companies, trade shows have become a very minor part of how Apple reaches its customers.

 

The company also argued that they’ve already begun scaling back on trade shows in recent years, such as NAB, Macworld New York, Macworld Tokyo and Apple Expo in Paris.

 

Shouldn’t CES fall into the same category? While we’re still missing Apple’s position on these rumors, we have to note that Apple’s lack of interest in this year’s Macworld was more than obvious. It has been suggested that they parted ways simply because Macworld wanted more from Apple than just iTunes and a 17-inch laptop announcements.

 

Apple may feel less pressured at CES on the other hand, but, we must not ignore the fact that Microsoft has become CES’s usual attendee, and we might be in for a fierce competition as of 2010. The thing I’m most curious about is: will Steve Jobs make an appearance next year?