Once known as Silicon Valley’s enfant terrible, Steve Jobs had gained the status of an iconic visionary, after the unparalleled success of the iPod (with iTunes), the iPhone and more recently, the iPad.
Today, after bringing his company to the top and stepping down as CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs has died at age 56.
Here is the message that Tim Cook sent to all Apple employees:
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 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.
Tim