Apple has announced its former chief executive Steve Jobs has died. Mr Jobs, who stepped down recently as chief executive, had been suffering from pancreatic cancer
Apple's board of directors today released a statement confirming Mr Jobs's death:
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.
Steve Jobs was 56. He had been battling pancreatic cancer and stepped down as CEO of Apple on August 24. His death comes
a day after the launch of the iPhone 4S, which was presented by new chief executive Tim Cook.
The Silicon Valley icon who gave the world the iPod and the iPhone resigned as CEO of the world's largest technology corporation in August, handing the reins to current chief executive Tim Cook.
Jobs, who fought a rare form of pancreatic cancer, was deemed the heart and soul of a company that rivals Exxon Mobil as the most valuable in America.
Apple has
set live a tribute page to Steve Jobs, with the following message:
"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."