Today is Apple's Big Day: Will Steve Jobs Make an Appearance?

Rumors are circulating that Steve Jobs will make an appearance at Apple's AAPL long-awaited event this afternoon. If so, this could steal Tim Cook's thunder, as he was expected to be the star of today's iPhone 5 event. (Well, today's human star – the actual star is the iPhone.) Regardless of which humans do or don't appear at Apple's event, consumers, investors and tech enthusiasts alike will be watching to see if the latest iPhone proves to be an innovative masterpiece – or at the very least a worthy upgrade of last year's iteration. If nothing else, consumers can expect a thinner, lighter and moderately faster phone. Beyond that, everything else should be considered wishful speculation. The iPhone 5 unveiling is scheduled to take place this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Stay tuned to Benzinga for the latest developments. Follow me @LouisBedigian