Steve Jobs. 1955 - 2011.

Apple has today said that Apple co-founder and former chief executive Steve Jobs has passed away at the age of 56.

In a statement Apple said that the company “has lost a visionary and creative genius” and that the world “has lost an amazing human being”.

In an Apple wide email CEO Tim Cook shared the news:

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

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.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email [email protected]

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

Apple’s board of directors also released the following statement:

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 leaves behind his wife Laurene, and his family, my hearts go out to them for their loss.

Messages of condoelnce can be emailed to [email protected]