Apple Inc. announced this afternoon the death of founder and world-known innovator Steve Jobs.
Posted on the Apple homepage:
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.
Jobs built the company with Steve Wozniak, Mike Markkula and other tech-savvy entrepreneurs and launched one of the first successful personal computers in the late 1970s. He continued the lead the company as co-founder, chairman, and former chief executive officer and announced the development of now-iconic gadgets including the iMac, iPod, and iPhone.
On August 24, Jobs resigned from his post as CEO, and wrote "I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role."
Jobs often refused to comment on his health issues, despite rumors and a false obituary published in 2008. According to Apple's statement, Jobs died of pancreatic cancer. He was 56 years old.
Apple has set up an email for thoughts, memories, and condolences at [email protected]
