[Update: ZDNet has posted their own story on this. That story includes comments from an unnamed IDG World Expo representative that suggest Apple has decided to forgo the Boston MACWORLD show in order to cut costs. From the ZDNet story:

Following Appleis statement, an IDG World Expo representative said the company had no indication from Apple that the Mac maker would pull out of the show if it was moved to Boston.

"Apple remains an important partner for Macworld and IDG World Expo has been in discussions with Apple officials for some time about the move back to Boston," the representative said. "Since we just heard of Appleis position, we can only speculate about their reasons, which may be driven by their financial situation."

You can read more in the full ZDNet article.]

TMOis Original Report: In a surprise announcement from Cupertino today, Apple has said it will not participate in MACWORLD Boston 2004, according to a Dow Jones news article. Furthermore, the company said that it would be re-evaluating its participation in the 2003 New York show, because the company "disagrees" with IDGis decision to move the show. From the Dow Jones article:

Apple Computer Inc. said Thursday it will not participate in Macworld Boston, when it moves from New York in July 2004.

In a prepared statement, the company said it "disagrees" with IDG World Expois, a unit of IDG, decision to move Macworld New York to Boston, and will re-evaluate its participation in the final Macworld New York show, to be held in July 2003.

"Since IDG is no longer investing in New York, we now need to reevaluate our participation in Macworld New York 2003. Apple will continue to participate in Macworld San Francisco in January," said the company in the statement.

You can read the full report at Yahoo!is Web site.