On December 16, Apple announced that senior vice president Phil Schiller would deliver the keynote address at the Macworld Expo in January, thus replacing the company’s CEO, Steve Jobs, who gave his final keynote at the event that took place in San Francisco.

Ever since then, also given that Apple stated the Macworld in January would be the last one, rumors have been circulating and spreading like wildfire, with speculations flooding all media outlets.

Firstly, concerns about Steve Jobs’ health have yet again arisen, many believing that his pancreatic cancer has returned and that this is the reason why he would be a no-show for the Expo.

Another rumor revolves around Apple and IDG World Expo, which has been organizing the Macworld ever since 1985, word having it that the two companies are on the outs with each other.

Finally, there is the possibility that Apple might have nothing to show off at the event, with no dazzling products to introduce to the audience, which makes the Macworld unworthy of Jobs’ presence, as the media have put it.

Nevertheless, the rumor that has been riding the waves these days says that Steve Jobs is actually planning a surprise appearance at the Expo, which would prove investors that they have nothing to worry about and also make Apple’s share price to increase.

Still, if Jobs would be a no-show in January, his absence will most certainly be interpreted as the first step towards a new management team at Apple, which could cause a steep decline for the company’s share on the stock market.

Another rumors are indicating that Apple might unveil an iPhone nano, a smaller, cheaper version of the iconic smart phone, and a netbook, possibly with a touchscreen.