Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and man behind innovations such as the iPod, iPad and iTunes, has died. He was 56.
Jobs died on Wednesday, just months after leaving his post as the company's CEO. Although no official cause of death was given, Jobs spent years battling pancreatic cancer. In 2009, he had a liver transplant.
"Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family," Jobs' family said in a statement. "In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories."
In the late 1970s, Jobs co-founded Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Of course, the trio went on to revolutionize the personal computer. The company came to prominence when the Apple II was released in 1977. In 1985, Jobs left Apple and acquired what is now Pixar. The Walt Disney Company bought Pixar in 2006. According to Wikipedia, the transaction made Jobs the largest shareholder in Disney. Jobs received an executive producing credit on 1995's Toy Story.
Of course, Jobs went back to Apple in 1997, bringing a vision for what would soon become the Mac OS X operating system. Soon after, he introduced the Apple Store. The iBook, the Power Mac G4, and the AirPort product series followed. In 2001, everything changed with the introduction of the iPod. Of course, the iPhone and iPad followed, completely changing the way we look at and use personal technology.
In 2009 and again in January 2011, Jobs took a medical leave of absence, citing health reasons. Jobs formally resigned as Apple's CEO on August 24, 2011. Tim Cook resumed his role.
"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," Cook said in a statement. "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 rememberingsteve@apple.com.
"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."
Jobs is survived by his wife of 20 years, Laurene, and four children, including one from a prior relationship.
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