Steve Jobs passes away weeks after stepping down as Apple CEO

Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder and former CEO, has died at the age of 56 after a long and highly public battle with cancer.

‘We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today,’ read a statement by Apple’s board of directors on October 5.

The homepage of Apple’s website switched to a full-page image of Jobs with the text, ‘Steve Jobs 1955-2011.’

Clicking on the image revealed the additional text: ‘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 had stepped down as CEO in August after conceding that his illness would require his full attention, and thus that he would no longer be able to lead the company effectively.