Or so says Forrester Research CEO George Colony, who believes the iPhone and iPad maker without Steve Jobs is essentially rudderless, a company sailing downwind toward mediocrity.

As Colony sees it, the problem with Apple is that, well, Jobs is dead.

Apple's co-founder, as we all know, was a charismatic guy. Jobs had an uncanny ability to lure disciples, some of whom saw him as a guru-like figure with exceptional--perhaps even enchanted--powers. This was a carefully cultivated image that Jobs himself worked hard to achieve and maintain.

Jobs also had amazing instincts when it came to product design and usability. He knew what consumers wanted and how to deliver it.

Which brings us to Tim Cook, Apple's new CEO. Colony calls Jobs' replacement a "proven and competent executive," but one who lacks the magnetism to a lead a unique company like Apple.