Apple on Wednesday confirmed that its former CEO, Steve Jobs, has died. He was 56.
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," Apple said in a note on its Web site. "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."
The Apple.com Web site currently bears a photo of Jobs (left). Apple asked fans to share their memories, thoughts, and condolences via rememberingsteve@apple.com.
Jobs stepped down as Apple CEO in August after nearly 14 years at the helm of the company he co-founded in 1976. "I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come," he said at the time.
Apple did not disclose any additional details about his passing, but Jobs had battled health problems for several years. Three years after having successful surgery for pancreatic cancer, Jobs announced in January 2009 that he had a "hormone imbalance" that was robbing his body of necessary proteins. He took a leave of absence, and it was later revealed that he underwent a liver transplant. By June 2009, he was back at work.
Though highly successful, Jobs's busy 2010 again took a toll on his health and he took another leave of absence in January 2011. He surprised and delighted fans, however, by showing up for the debut of the iPad 2 in March, telling those in attendance that he had worked too hard on the product to miss its launch. He was also there to show off iOS 5 and Mac OS X Lion a few months later.
Tim Cook, who is now Apple's CEO, took the stage in Jobs' place to launch the new iPhone 4S, the start of a new era at Apple.
For more, see A Look Back at the Career of Steve Jobs as well as PCMag's full coverage of Jobs and "The Greatest Victories of Steve Jobs" slideshow below.