The immediate impact of Steve Jobs’ departure from Apple is uncertain, but over the longer term, Korea’s corporate sector ― along with the rest of the world ― will surely feel the absence of the legendary IT visionary, industry watchers here said.

“Jobs is a man who had a distinct vision and who created a system built to endure so there probably will not be any changes in the short-term such as over the coming year or so, but in the long-run, his absence may be more acutely felt depending on how Apple continues to uphold and build upon the legacy Jobs is leaving behind,” said Lee Hee-sung, head of Intel Korea.

On Wednesday, Apple announced that Jobs would be resigning from his post as CEO of the company that he co-founded and built up from scratch.

Apple’s chief operating officer Tim Cook, 50, is to take over as chief executive.

Little is known about the new chief, but speculation based on his previous conduct sparked rumors about how Apple will transform under Cook’s leadership.

Some sources labeled the incoming chief executive as a gentler and softer leader compared to the iconic Jobs, known for his directness and unwillingness to compromise.

“How the new leadership will affect Apple will be what we have to watch for,” Lee said.

Recalling Cook’s visit to the assembly lines at LG and Samsung, some industry watchers predicted he would adopt a more favorable stance to Korean companies catering to Apple.

Apple has a worldwide reputation for closing deals with suppliers that maximize its profit by keeping costs to a minimum.

The U.S.-based technology company is Samsung’s largest client, and LG Display also is said to supply displays.

Critics, however, dismissed suggestions that Apple may ease up on its ongoing legal patent dispute with Samsung, saying essential policies will remain unchanged.

Others argued that Apple has a meticulous, fool-proof business structure that would not be swayed by the disappearance of Jobs.

“I don’t think a company like Apple would somehow become different or face sudden adversities just because the top man has left,” said Noh Geun-chang, a senior analyst at HMC Securities.

As Jobs’ right-hand man, Cook had long been considered as the front-runner who would succeed the Apple co-founder and previously filled in for him on his frequent medical leaves.

Cook joined Apple in 1998 as senior vice president of worldwide operations and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2004.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)