Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.
“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board, in the press release. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”
“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”
Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.
As COO, Cook was previously responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apple’s Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace.
Source: Apple Inc.
Steve Jobs’ letter to the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
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.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
MacDailyNews Take: The end of an astonishing era and the beginning of a new one.
Thank you, Mr. Jobs for everything you have done in an amazing, legendary career. What you have engineered will go down in history as one of the greatest success stories of all time.
Good luck to Mr. Jobs, Chairman of the Board, and to Mr. Cook, Apple Inc.’s new CEO!
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WSJ profiles Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook – January 17, 2011
Apple CEO Steve Jobs takes medical leave of absence; will continue as CEO – January 17, 2011
Apple spokesman: ‘Apple CEO Steve Jobs is back on the job’ – June 29, 2009
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Any word on his health????
Can you think about it, for a minute? “when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations” he said.
However, that’s not the point of discussion here.
Good luck to Mr Jobs and Mr Cook on their new roles; what you all have done for tech has no equal, and I wish it never ends.
Tim Cook is in great health.
Tim Cook is no Steve Jobs. This is awful news for apple fans and for the future of Apple. Without Steve at the helm you no it can only go downward
Thank you. At this important moment we needed some sarcastic naysayer to dump on us. I’ll bet Christmas is a hoot at your house.
Bullshit. Tim Cook is no Steve Ballmer Either. And would it kill you to spell “know” correctly…….
No was spelt correctly in this context!
The second one wasn’t
Doesn’t matter. you understood the message, bitch
“Tim Cook is no Steve Jobs.”
Do you think for one moment that Steve Jobs would pick somebody to succeed him who isn’t up for the task?
I laugh at your tiny, tiny brain.
The fallout from this is that Apple’s share price will likely decrease in the short term, pundits and tech “journalists” will declare Apple dead, and would-be competitors will get cocky(only to have their asses handed to them by Cook at the next earnings report).
And of course Steve is now chairman of the damn board, so he’s still there at Apple in a position of immense power and influence. He hasn’t even left.
Infact, what with his health issues and multiple medical leaves, his position as CEO had been reduced pretty significantly. And yet, during that time, Apple was hitting homeruns out of the park(and Tim was reportedly running the show to quite a degree).
I’d mourn the loss of his pioneering career, except he still has one. I’d mourn Apple, but the sun hasn’t even begun to set on it yet.
Get bent, fool.
Here’s another idiot conclusion, from “analyst” Trip Chowdhry:
“Apple is Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs is Apple, and Steve Jobs is innovation,” Chowdhry said. “You can teach people how to be operationally efficient, you can hire consultants to tell you how to do that, but God creates innovation. … Apple without Steve Jobs is nothing.”
CEO vs Chairman of the Board? What the hell
does that mean? Who’s “in charge”?
NOOOOOOOO
Dear Steve,
Please focus on getting healthy. We will miss you.
😮
Wait, that was supposed to be an astonished face. I wish Steve the best and thank him for his years of exceptional work and accomplishments.
We love you Steve.
Thank you for all the wonderful toys.
Enjoy your retirement. You deserve it.
and a collective “fuhhhhhhhhhhhhh” was heard around the world. Our prayers are with you Steve.
Long Live The Chairman if the Board!
Long Live Apple!
.:.
Please tell me this is a bad dream
It’s all beyond words. Very sad.
Chairman for life and beyond……
Highest praises, Mr. Jobs!
i have confidence in Tim. My question is this: is he the visionary that Steve is? Will the new ‘must have’ products keep coming?
Best wishes to both.
Steve Jobs will still be an active creator & visionary force within Apple as the Chairman of the Board.
That is what he is truly best at & will be for many years into the future. Jobs turned Apple around in the 90’s & hired high quality managers to help him run the company – again. He has been successful at that, as well as keynote presentations & continuing to be a visionary force within Apple’s creative & engineering staff.
All that has changed is that he is now not in charge of running a global corporation Apple Inc anymore, but is still on Apple Board & is the Chief Creative Advisor to Apple.
Steve has a “PS, I Love You” plan for the next 20 years. His vision will be influencing Apple for decades.
Apple is filled with very creative people. The many products you use sprang from the minds of others besides Steve. Steve defined the degree of execution of those ideas. He will certainly be missed, but fear not there are many excellent engineers who will contain use to foment new ideas and execute them to Steve’s standards.
And here is your answer… No he is not; in my opinion.
In a more objective statement I would say we don’t know whether Tim is the visionary that Steve is; although unlikely he may be.
I have confidence in the ‘Apple 2.0’ that Steve created since his return in the 90’s.
There is much substance to Apple Inc today. For starters, it has a strong sense of purpose with equally strong supporting values. It has amassed a great talent pool. And developed an incredibly strong attitude of ‘paddling its own canoe’ with complete conviction and focus. Hence the seismic moments it has delivered to many industries and companies alike.
It’s a cultural thing that Steve Jobs has created. Much more difficult to get right than anything else in business. And Apple will continue to prosper because of it.
Think its been coming for a while, I hope it’s doesn’t mean his health is now too bad.
2nd.
A little of a shock to see this today.
Its like the day the reindeer died.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
It definitely was a fun ride!!
Steve: thanks for the great job you’ve done. I hope that you live a long, healthy and happy life. Your Macintosh and iOS have made a good career for me for the past 25 years.
I Second that.
For all the Great ways that he has made our lives Better,
we can just wish him the best with his Health.
By the way, he is not going Anywhere, he is the Chairman of the Board, and his 2 Cents, will always mean Something.
He Can now spend more time with his Family.
(Thank u Steve 4 all that u Gave the World) Thank u.
I third that. Thanks for all you’ve accomplished, Steve. You’ve done amazing work, brought powerful tools to millions, and made investors like me very happy. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and may you have a long, healthy road ahead.
I’m behind you, Tim. Let’s get started.
-c
What Chrissy said.
How far will the stock crater tomorrow? $20, more?
Yeah I was just going to mention this.
Apple will be fine with cook.
But… Prepare for the “end of apple” articles tonight/coming week and the stock will tank for a bit…
I think $50. But that’s just me.
Time to get ready to buy some cheaper Apple stock!!! I’m going to make a killing tomorrow!!
Stock is already down more than $20 in after hours trading…. Gonna be a blood bath for a few days.
“Be greedy when others are fearful. And be fearful when others are greedy.”
– Warren Buffett
If you continue to believe in Apple, as I do and will, the ensuing short-term hysteria will present a buying opportunity. Pundits and haters will weigh in, declaring that Apple is doomed. Short sellers and hedge funds will prime the fears and seize the moment. But what will not change is the company’s growth and valuation. And that will present a buying opportunity for the astute investor in a couple of days from now.
As for me, I’ll hold on to my shares and ride out the storm. The next 12 and more months look very promising. And eventually, a stock’s price will reflect its earnings. No news or hype will change that.
More important, I wish Steve Jobs and his family well. I hope his health is kind to him. And I thank Steve Jobs for a life of brilliance, vision and accomplishment. His legacy will be enormous.
Because of Steve Jobs, my life and career changed. Because of Steve Jobs, I met my wife. Because of Steve Jobs, I am in the career that I am. I owe him and those around him a lifetime of gratitude.
This is not the end. Not by a long shot. The impact of Steve Jobs will long outlive his career and life. Few of us could ever imagine doing the same. Thank you, Steve.
Where’s the like button for this post?
1
Thank you for such a beautiful post and tribute. I myself am at a loss for words. Yours helped immensely.
Agree with your post entirely. Well said.
Well said.
1
Brilliant! Great post, Brian.
This is definitely a buy opportunity. Wish I had some cash to invest.
Non-event.
DON’T PANIC.
this means he does have cancer and implies that possibility
not sure how good tim cook will be hes not remotely as charismatic as steve ever was
Go away, please.
If he’s really sick, god forbid, looks like a good way for him to transition out of the spotlight without investors feeling he’s abandoned the company. Live long and prosper Steve. No more Stevenotes, won’t be the same.
I wish him the very best! He was the greatest leader of any corporation on the planet.
Are people REALLY surprised? He’s been grooming Tim Cook for a very long time, and Cook has earned his stripes. While Steve has been more than less in the background over the past 6 months, he hasn’t been hands off. And he won’t be…as long as he’s on the Board. This would not seem to change anything from the past year’s operations and direction. Apple will continue to do very well for a very long time. The company doesn’t need training wheels (and neither does Tim), and Steve has earned the right to step back a bit.
The only real issue is his health. Perhaps this will help him gain strength. May he have several more decades to enjoy life.
Well said. It’s the end of an era that saw:
* modern PCs (remember when MS lovers belittled “windows” as a toy?)
* modern smartphones (Android would be a BB clone and the rest of us would be cursing at WM7.8)
* the iPad (I admit it, I sometimes feel like I’m in a SF movie from my boyhood)
So, thanks to Steve. Good luck to Tim, not that I think he will need it…
Congratulations to Tim Cook. He was the obvious choice. And Apple has been operating this way already, for quite some time. Tim Cook has been the day-to-day CEO and Steve Jobs provided strategic and conceptual guidance; he will continue to do so as Board Chairman.
So Apple won’t miss a beat. The only real change is that Tim Cook gets the title and more external attention. If anyone else was selected to be CEO, it would have been more chaotic and uncertain.
thank you steve!
It looks as Steve can’t handle the stress of his job with his illness. The act of resigning his post seems he is expecting the worst and preparing for it. You have given much Steve, more than most and it was all good.
Come on now… It is just as likely that nothing has change regarding his health. He was already on an extended medical leave, so that means the existing situation was that he should not be “at the job” on a day-to-day basis. And Apple was executing exceptionally well during his leave, because Tim Cook knows how to run Apple on a day-to-day basis.
It probably just became impractical for Apple and the Board to maintain the “medical leave but still CEO” status indefinitely.
God Bless You Steve Jobs. Your vision, efforts & tenacity have no equal. May you find good health as I ponder you have reached your goal with Apple. #1 in THE WORLD. You will NEVER be replaced. All my best. You ARE An American Beauty. Keep On Truckin’
From a customer since 1978 – Thank you for everything, Steve. I especially appreciate your work to create the organ donor registry last year. It’s saddens me that you’ll never receive proper recognition for that today.
Like you, my 1st Mac was my second Apple Computer. I remember writing programs to tape drives as a Freshman in college on an Apple ][.
No fanboi here, just someone who has been a long time customer of an amazing company.
Today I find it extremely hard to summon words.
Get well Steve!
Tim has tough shoes to fill, if that’s even possible. That said, I truly hope Steve a long and healthy life. He’s earned it!
Thanks Steve.
In his letter of resignation he had this to say
“To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
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.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple”s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.” (www.msnbc,com)
The fact that he cannot meet his duties and expectations as he said is not very encouraging as far as his health is concerned.
Yes, because asking to be elected Chairman of the Board clearly means that his health is totally screwed and he’s dying.
*sarcastic applause*
I’ve got a feeling that a lot of people will be very carefully ignoring that in order to declare his days numbered.
Tim as CEO is what he’s been doing for awhile now.
Steve working in the background is what he’s been doing for awhile now.
This just makes it official.
I hope Steve’s health is okay.
Apple will still kick ass! I hope Steve is OK.
Wonder if they will stop after-hours trading now.
it was obvious when he presented the release of Lion and iCloud that he was on his last legs. He could barely walk across the stage.
I have a lot of issues with Jobs’ policies, but was truly inspired while saddened to by his determination and struggles.
The mark made by his creations and vision will outlast anything else most others can even dream of.
Hope he enjoys his last days with family and friends.
“Hope he enjoys his last days with family and friends.”
Yeah, when he’s not too busy working as Chairman of the Board. See? Already it gets ignored.
(and I should have scrolled the comments down further and read this before making my previous one, but, eh. lazy.)
I think I’ll have to just read the rest of this thread because if I keep commenting, I’m pretty sure I’ll find myself writing “DEAD MEN WALKING AREN’T APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD” 50 more times.
In other news, DigiTimes reported that the Korean government has hired Steve Jobs to head Korea’s development of new smartphone OS, code named “NoKia”.
It been a blast! Good luck and good health in your future endeavors Mr. Job.
Thanks for all the amazing products Steve, wish you all the very best for the future.
It’s okay – I don’t feel compelled to sell my Apple stuff and run out for Android, Windows 7, Playbook, Linksys, or anything else.
Bloomberg news (Bloomberg Wrst Show) is covering it now live and have extended the 1 hr show.
I hope Tim Cook gets a bigger salary than Jobs did.
What Apple needs now is to get behind Tim Cook. He can be an Awesome CEO. There’s plenty of creativity to come, a balance between perfection and simplicity.
Congratulations TC, and may SteveJ remain COB for a long time to come.
A historic event.
Jobs vision is and will be a beacon for many future CEOs.
What an interesting and deeply influential life has Jobs lived so far
Best wishes to Tim Cook !
I really trust the whole Apple Team.
Thanks for everything, Steve.
Two earthquakes in two days to too much!
I’d give all of my Apple stock if that meant Steve would get better. And than some. What an inspiring person. One of the few people that still gives USA a good name.
WOW!!! Did not see that coming. Thought it would happen sooner or later. Later actualy though. My problem with Tim Cook is that he was responsible with moving all of Apple’s manufacturing overseas, mainly China. Apple should move some manufacturing back to the U.S.A. Because Apple sells world wide it should have a portion made where it is sold. All manufacturing should not be over seas though. I will still buy Apple products because I like them.
Thank you, Steve Jobs. To say you changed the world would be an extreme understatement.
Best wishes, Tim Cook…
“Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought.”
– Basho
A moment i won’t forget. Thanks Steve. You are indeed the man! I have faith that Tim will carry the torch well. You are an inspiration to a new era of Mac lovers worldwide. Be well. Congrats on a job well done. Thank You.
“I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.” Steve Jobs
As do I; thanks for everything, Steve.
Although I hope for the best for SJ, this and the upcoming Bio look like a public goodbye.
Steve, please be alright. My best wishes and meditations are with you.
God bless you and your family !!! It’s a sad day but we will always love you your company and your products !!
Steve, I only wish I had the words to say how much you and Apple have meant to me since the beginning. I wish you and your family the best of health and happiness. Please continue to help your company and by doing this continue to help us. Thank You.
Thank you for everything Steve! Our family wishes you nothing but best. Your work has brought many smiles to our household over the past decades. Onward and upward!
This is probably good news for apple stock. Though they will take a hit tomorrow. It ends a lot of speculation about Job’s Health, and What would happen if the worst became of Steve. Tim is a major force, and Apple is in good hands. Heck — When I heard this I ran out and bought an iPad.
Board member Art Levinson said. “In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”-
So that basically means that Steve will STILL be touching the magic that comes out of our beloved company. I do wish his health is improving regardless of this news. LONG LIVE STEVE!
Thank you Steve for all you have done. You have changed my life as well as many others. Good luck.
While Steve is indeed a visionary, he’s not responsible for the designs that people love about Apple products. It was, however, Steve who recognised the talent of the designer who was being sidelined and was close to quitting, and gave him free reign to be as creative as he wished. That was Jonny Ive, who is responsible for Apple’s industrial design divison and without whom Steve would not have the products, that people all over the world love so much, to sell. I used to use a Mac prior to the introduction of the jelly bean iMac, and it’s successor afterwards. From an anonymous beige box to the sleek, shiny curvy silver and anthracite PowerPC tower, something you were proud to have sitting on the desktop, instead of hidden underneath it. It was Steve’s vision as a businessman, seeing the potential of the young designer with an obsessive passion for flawless industrial design. As long as Jonny’s there, I have no concerns for Apple’s future.
I second that…
i wish him the best.
I just wish the headline was “Steve Jobs Promoted to Chairman”, instead of “Steve Jobs Quits as CEO”.
Geez! I was thinking the same thing!
Boom! MDN
Steve – take care dude, you are a gentleman
This transition is going to go well. Steve Jobs knows like no one else what it is like to put exactly the wrong person in charge of his company. (Cough-Sculley-Cough-Marketing-Cough-As-Cough-Management-Cough). Tim Cook is going to be terrific.
Meanwhile, Steve Jobs remains as Chairman of the Board.
Laugh at the inevitable PaNiC on Wall Street while Apple continues to kick the ‘competition’, such as it is.
We <3 you Steve Jobs! Hang in there and thanks for your wonderful insights so far!
Gulp….
We all knew it was coming but the shock is no less.
God be with you Steve
@”Gulp….
We all knew it was coming but the shock is no less.
God be with you Steve”
Yes, I know, you are correct. We did and yes.. it is still a kick to the stomach! Wish him the very best and will continue to visualize him getting well.
And Apple stock price plummets and smart investors buys when it hits bottom. Apple is safe without Jobs now.
Genesis: Chapter 1: Verse 1:
In the beginning there was darkness….
Chapter 1: Verse 2:
…And then there was Steve to lead us out of the darkness and into the light.
Thanks for the iPod Steve it started it all….
Boo Hoo! It’s the end of an era! I hope this has nothing to do with his health and the patents thing, you have been my idol and I’m 11 I am on an iPod touch right now looking soon into a macintosh. As a wise man quoted ‘We love you, Steve’
I hope Steve lives many more years and at least long enough to see his “spaceship” campus built.
Had Steve stepped down several years ago before Apple wildly succeeded in implementing his convergence strategy, then this would be a disaster for Apple. However Apple’s culture has fully absorbed its Steveness and it is now safe for Steve to step down as CEO without worrying that Apple will go in the wrong direction.
Thank you Steve !!!
I wish you well,you are and you were the best!!!!
My house is all Apple.
I find myself misty-eyed as I read this article, as I know what it truly means…
What Steve has done to free us from the chains of mediocrity and empty contracts is astounding.
I will miss his vision, and I will always stand by his business plan, in my own endeavors.
Good luck and many days, Steve.
Perfect timing and class execution.
Apple’s best days are ahead of it and it will reign supreme for many years over a new post PC era, heralded in and by the genius and vision of the one and only : Steve Jobs.
Tim cook is not only a disciple but also a highly qualified and focused top man, hand picked and motivated by Jobs and everything Jobs believes in. He will take Apple to the next level while navigating to where no company has ever gone before, from the monumental new headquarters Steve Jobs planned- The Apple Cupertino Spaceship.
1st Class all the way Steve – An example for all !!!- A toast to you and all you’ve done for the world and for your forever loyal customers.
Jobs already had a storied career as the co-founder of Apple. The additional tale of his exile, triumphant return and stewardship in guiding an ailing Apple from shaky status to the powerhouse it is today ranks as one of the greatest corporate comeback tales of all time.
The man has done more than any other person to bring computing to the masses. I wish him well and continued success and vigor.
Thank you Steve !!!
I wish you well, and thank you everything!!!
Thanks to You my house is all Apple!!!
Why don’t they just just inject some stem cells into his liver and just see what happens. What is there to lose?
I am still hopeful. In his letter he says he still wants to be an employee at apple. As long as that happens he will have a lot of input.
By the way, let them screw the stock price as much as they want tomorrow, I’ll be there picking more up.
He may not be CEO, but he’s still chairman of the board and you can bet he’ll have approval over all products released till the day he dies, which hopefully won’t be for a long while.
Thank You Steve for all you have done. We are a all Apple Family. We know you would not have stepped down regardless of health if you did not feel your visionary leadership and extremely well thought out designs and innovation would not continue in Tim Cooks leadership. Thank You for changing the world like you have!
hmmhhh! I was really shocked to read about this. The jos era has ended. What will happen next?
Please tell me that he did noxvt resign due to his health getting worse.
All the best to Steve and Tim, and Apple Corp. You guys “rock” and in addition to being a shareholder, we have all the great gadgets you have designed. Hoping the future is brighter than the past.
Very sad. We’ll miss Steve’s influence and passion. I wish him all the best and hope his health stabilizes and improves.
Good luck to Tim Cook. Here’s to many successful years at the helm of the worlds most prolific technology company.
I am thankful for the time we have had SJ as the CEO. Even more thankful for the time we will have that remains no matter the position! As long as he is still an employee… does the title really matter??
Comments like …”Been a great ride!” are just unfounded. What makes you think it will end??
If you think vision @ Apple is gone now… you have not been watching very well. Or very long!
I look forward to the future Apple.
SJ groomed a great team (S) . Let them work.
Not that they need it, but show confidence in them.
They do and will still create and build the best that money can buy.
Keep in mind… On the fateful day SJ does pass…. He will still be and continue to be smarter, more innovative, and visionary than ALL of his peers!
A sad day for us & US indeed.
We have been blessed enough.
SJ spend your time with those you Love.
my $.02
TR
I concur with all the well wishes for Steve, but just want to add that this, I think, is a wise move. Not wanting to think Steve’s health is such that he won’t be around, but would like to think, being CEO is taxing on anyone, let alone one with a medical condition. Get the “shock” factor out of the way, let things settle down, let Steve be Steve, just on Apple’s BoD for however long he wishes. Remember, that PanAm bomber in prison with cancer was released back to Libya because he had 3 months left to live. A year later…
So we may be pleasantly surprised this time next year on the Anniversary of Steve resigning to find Steve doing well as can be and enjoying being on the BoD, Tim working on his style of keynotes coming into his own and Apple still producing revolutionary, magical products for us to enjoy.
Tim is a good choice. Steve is still with Apple and will be till he can no longer use his mind and convey his will. So do not panic. Apple is in good hands and will continue with SJ blessings.
Funny, was just wondering lately how he was going. Time marches on relentlessly when you’re terminally ill.
However long he has left – and I hope it’s a long, long time – I’m glad he lived to see Apple claim its rightful place as tech industry leader.
He didn’t want to be the richest guy in the cemetery, he wanted to change the world. Mission accomplished.
I assume SJ left a very good 5-year plan, which should be good for at least 2 years before it has to be updated. After that, I guess we’ll see. The key will be if Cook understands his (tech) limitations and makes good choices re who in the company to rely on for that.
Very, very sad day.
Steve is an irascible, irreplaceable genius and his company has changed so many lives, touched so many hearts and improved the world in so many ways it is incalculable. His health is paramount now because we shall not see his like again.
Best of luck, Steve. You made Apple insanely great and established a culture of excellence that will live long after we all pass.
This formalizes what had already been put to practice due to Steves illness.
Tim Cook has all the goods: if anyone can live up to Jobs, its him.
The very best is apple and always will be and we all give thanks to you! hope you have a amazing retirement we will all miss you!
Damn cancer…
I’ve got to say that Steve Jobs & Apple have been a very big part of my life since 1987! Steve also has been the perfect example of what America/the American dream is! I personally believe that he has left such a giant impact on the world that we America/Americans should do or make some kind of enshrinement to Steve Jobs…King of innovation!
What a legacy what a corporate culture, what vision.
He is just leaving at the point where he is about to “invade” China. From the looks of the reports coming out now it looks like the Mac will be at 20% at the end of this year. That my friends is huge and I don’t own any stock.
“The end of an astonishing era and the beginning of a new one.
Thank you, Mr. Jobs for everything you have done in an amazing, legendary career. What you have engineered will go down in history as one of the greatest success stories of all time. Good luck to Mr. Jobs, Chairman of the Board, and to Mr. Cook, Apple Inc.’s new CEO!”
Amen.
I doubt this means anything different in terms of Job’s health. It is just a very well-thought-out, well-planned and well-executed “soft” transition to the post-Jobs era at Apple – something that had to happen some day irrespective of health or other issues.
Every day, literally, since the late 1970s I have thanked God that Steve Jobs graced planet Earth. Steve has been a bright shining beacon for me. I knew this day would come, tears and gratefulness for over 30 years of sheer delight. Steve bows out as Apple rides the very top, total class act. Thank you Steve and may you reap the well deserved rewards coming to you as a Titan among men, a laser of intelligence the world has rarely ever seen.
Ditto. Since about 1982.
Steve, you changed the world. And you inspired me. Thank you.
Thank you Steve for everything ,you and your idevices have made the world a better connected planet,and my own life much more enjoyable .
f%#@!!!!!!!!!! my first earthquake yesterday!!!!! now this?!?!? goodbye cruel woooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrllllddddddd………………oh crap, that was the curb….I could have sprained an ankle though:-/
anyway….if it’s true-thankyou Mr. Jobs. I can honestly say my time on the rock has been made that much more tolerable for having used apple products.
…any by “rock” I mean crack. carry-on
What an amazing trip it’s been.
It was a great ride.
Thanks Steve – See you around!
Salute to you, Mr Jobs. Your have not only impacted Apple, the tech industry & even the design world, but also given us, the Mac community, our voice & pride back. We will always remember the dark years when we were rediculed & deemed the underdogs, stepped upon by cheap plastics such as DELL, but so convinced we were using an OS so much more advanced, & so exhilarated when you returned to lead & score with 1 amazing hit after another. It is an indescribable feeling watching relatives, friends, colleagues, bosses etc the world over turning to that first colorful iMac, first Cube, first iPod, first iPhone, first iPad, first MacBook, first Air & subsequently embracing the phenomenal Apple culture. No amount of industrial chemical can wipe off that smug look on our faces with clear invisible words written over our foreheads stating: “IT’S GOOD, WE TOLD YOU SO!!!” You have given us something that goes deep, and not even the label of “fanboys” can shake our belief in the quality of Apple products. This day we are so proud to declare we have all along been the Mac user community. Thank you so very much, Mr Jobs!
Well said. I have never owned anything but macs-too many now to count. It’ss been an amazing ride. Here’s to you Mr Jobs.
Standing ovation on that statement!
*thunderous applause*
hats off to one of the brightest and amazing CEOs in modern era.
few men demand the admiration and respect as much as Mr. Jobs, from friends and foes alike.
interesting times ahead.
Salute to one of the brightest and amazing CEOs in modern era.
few men have earned the admiration and respect as much as Mr. Jobs, from friends and foes alike.
interesting times ahead.
Thank you Steve for all the products and innovations that you gave us. I wish you good luck in your new role. Also my prayers is with you as far as your health. Get well soon. And to you Tim I wish you luck with your new position. Steve has alot of confidence in you. As do I.
Thak you Steve, your vision has changed the world. In a Corporate culture you were able to Think Different.
All the best.
I’m choked up about this. Clearly Steve is on the decline. I dearly appreciate the beautiful gifts he’s given me. A man with brilliance and charisma beyond words, and he went out on top! Thank u, Steve. May a miracle save your life and keep u with us for as long as it can.
I wonder how the people’s reception would be once that other Steve resigns from his post — you know, that tongue-wagging, foot-stomping and grossly sweating buffoon of a boy (for lack of an appropriate term). Well, we don’t want him to resign or leave his post, do we? He can stay there for as long as he wants.
Mr. Jobs’ turtleneck and jeans will be sorely missed at the introduction of innovative Apple products. But hey, he’s still the Chairman of the Board, so he’d still be calling the shots.
As for Mr. Cook, good luck to his new job. He need not copy the image of Steve for that is totally irreplaceable. In due time, he’ll find his niche and I’m excited to know what aces are up on his sleeves.
What can you possibly say, the man even resigns brilliantly.
Live long and be happy, Mr. Jobs.
I did not want to see this day… but I knew it would come… eventually.
*sigh*
*heavy sigh*
I first played with a Mac in 1984, and I was hooked. I’ve had one on my desk since 1985.
Thanks Steve. You’ve done an amazing job. I wish you well in your new role. Look after yourself.
Been using all things Apple since 1988.
The after hours market is doing it’s thing:
376.18 +2.58 (0.69%) Aug 24 4:00pm ET
357.10 -19.08 (-5.07%) After Hours
Open: 373.47
High: 378.96
Low: 370.60
Volume: 22,366,701
Avg Vol: 24,158,000
Mkt Cap: 348.75B
Don’t be surprised to see not many selling
Hey hedgies… Check Mate!
Steve, you have inspired me without ceasing since that spell-binding commercial during the Super Bowl in 1984. I can’t remember anything about the game itself, but I have never forgotten that compelling manifesto which proclaimed that the computer revolution is always meant to be for the people rather than the machine, for humanity rather than technique, personalizing rather than enslaving, uplifting rather than demoralizing. Steve, you changed the world. You threw the hammer. You transformed my life. Thank you.
Unfortunately, I fear that Steve will not be on this earth any more than 6 months at the most. I’d be even less. I pray I’m wrong, but he wouldn’t resign unless his health was gravely serious.
Very sad day. Steve Jobs commitment to his vision drove Apple to the amazing success it has today. Best wishes for a long and healthy life.
Steve leaving is too sad.
but 1. he’s still on board, as chair.
2. let’s not proclaim him dead. whether he left as ceo for health or family reasons is not our problem. give him peace.
3. the Wintel fans will rejoice. it’s sick. much of their tech is thanks to Steve or Apple, even if their diluted versions suck.
they will force the stock to crash – it’s the only way they’re happy as they think Apple is the Evil Empire. the only way their Wintel stocks go up again.
4. ironic. if a co. ever creates 1 life-changing product it’s a miracle. Apple with Steve created 5!! more to come!! (Mac, iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad + real AppleTV next + Cloud the right way). Steve already produced more than any human in history. let him be.
5. do you think Apple’s stratospheric, recession-proof rise is luck?! Steve will never really leave Apple. he’s its DNA. even if no longer on Board, even if dead, his legacy is not all. he’s planned for Apple for the next 3 decades.
but fools will do their best to damage Apple.
AAPL went from $353 to $378 today.
After-hours the stock already plummeted to $352.
tomorrow it should crash.
who knows how long the stock will die,
as people do not think & pretend or wish Apple is dead too.
with logic, sense & sensibility, as well as concrete Apple plan,
the stock should rebound, but maybe in 1 month or 1 year.
may the Force be with you Steve,
bless you!
there’s too many of us grateful to you forever,
as you changed our professional + private lives,
like nada mas.
thx. gracias. merci. danke. shukran.
we look forward to your health & concepts for another round.
a plus tard
That’s it! I’m getting a Dell!
Thank you, Steve Jobs, for everything that you have done for Apple (and NeXT, Pixar, etc.). I work today because of the innovations you made possible in software and hardware.
Got to the dance a bit late but man what a party!
All the best Steve.
There’ll be none better, ever.
The greatest visionary leader of our time. He belongs at the pinnacle of the “Think Different” icons.
Wow.
Thank you Steve for being an incredible light, an endless creative source, a wonderful inspiration, a force of principle, a singular brilliant point of technology and humanity in all it’s glory.
Thank you for the show. It was a privilege watching you, championing you, rising to the top with you, making history with you.
I wish you health, joy, freedom, peace and love.
I hope that you remain with us for a long time to come.
But if you must go, I wish you the best of soul journeys.
I’ll see you in the sun. Love on.
This is such a ridiculously cool way for Steve Jobs to back off a bit.
In short: he has his management team in place, his company is the second largest in the world if market cap is your favorite unit of measure, he will continue as chairman.
Nice.
now, Apple’s glorious day is gone. without Steve, there is no Apple. the fastest growing company will be down soon. unfortunately, there is nobody who replaces by Steve Jobs. done.
I was going to flame you, but I realized it’s not fair to pick on stupid people who write things just to get a reaction. Go Away, Troll..
“What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone? How else can we put ourselves in harmonious relation with the great verities and consolations of the infinite and the eternal? And I avow my faith that we are marching towards better days. Humanity will not be cast down.” ~Winston Churchill, Speech at Kinnaird Hall, Dundee, Scotland, October 10, 1908
Could easily have been a commentary about Apple’s effect on the world (80 years later). A hard job well done, Apple.
And Steve, we will always believe in the six colours.
very sad….I wonder how long he has to live? That is surely the only reason he would step down permanently. When he had to undergo cancer treatment and there was hope he took a leave of absence temporarily only…
Much love, Mr. Jobs. Thank you for changing my life for the better.
I purchased my first PowerMac when I began college in the fall of 1995. It was the 7500/100. Plagued with some early PCI and Open Transport issues, I loved that machine because it was from APPLE, not terrible CEO’s “The Diesel” or Gil Amelio, but from a company that was innovative. Fast RISC processor, built-in video editing, MacOS (7.5.1. 7.5.2, 7.5.3, 7.5.4…)Steve Jobs hadn’t been around for nearly 10 years at Apple in ’95. My point here is that I can clearly remember 16 years ago wanting an Apple product with no Steve Jobs. Even though it was a beige box, from a company that could’t meet demand, owning an Apple product was special. I never imagined the success they now have, but it is not the reason I own 5 iPods, 2 iPhones, 5 Macs, and an AppleTV. So I hope Steve is well, of course, but I remember tonight even in those dark days of the mid90’s, Apple was special. Don’t be down Apple faithful, Steve’s legacy will always be in whatever has that Apple logo on it.
The world is not fair. Balmer is a healthy fat pig.
It’s true that nobody in Apple can replace Steve Jobs. But I said this before: Steve is no dummy. He built a team with the best trades he himself have. Steve is a man of many talents. Now we have a team with people mastering each of his talents: Tim Cook, Jonathan Ive, Scott Forstall, Randy Ubillus, Phil Schiller… each of them is brilliant in what they do.
So, Apple has a team that can take care of business as a team as good as Steve Jobs. I don’t foresee dark ages in Apple. The stock… it goes up and down. I honestly don’t give a damn about the stock. I care about the products. If they continue delivering, stock eventually will rise.
Steve Jobs you have changed the world countless times over. I will miss your style and leadership, but I’m confident Apple Inc. will carry on your legacy of excellence. Thank you for everything!
It’s a bad sad week in Canada.
First Jack Layton passes away and now Steve.
Get well Steve
from Canada
Thanks and All The Best, Steve.
Long live Steve Jobs. Dear God, please let him live a while longer.
“Jobs’s greatest creation isn’t any Apple product. It is Apple itself.” Daring Fireball
We love you Steve! Thank you for changing our lives in wonderful and magical ways! With all our heart, we wish you and your family peace, health and continued happiness.
I share in all the sentiments over Steve’s health and the hope that he will be with us for a long time to come. But, all the reassurances about the post-Jobs Apple are wishful thinking. In a couple of years we will look back and wish it could have been like it was. I’ve met Tim Cook and Tim Cook is no Steve Jobs. No one is and that’s the reality you just have to come to grips with along with the certainty that Apple Inc’s best days are behind us now. I’ve built a fortune in AAPL for many years. Tomorrow I collect my profits and move on.
(sniff)
I’ll miss you most of all scarecrow.
(sniff)
I’ll miss you most of all Scarecrow…
Tim Cook is ideal.
No wife, no kids. Just AAPL.
I hope they do tours outside and inside your mausoleum, Steve.
As I have always expected, the upcoming release of the autobiography may mean more than it looks like.
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
Let’s get one thing staight here STEVE JOBS HASNT LEFT APPLE!!!
Steve has taken a reduced role in the company because of his health.
He will STILL be working at Apple and being involved in driving innovation in the company.
My opinion is this is the right move. Steve has cancer, cancer IS a killer and people with the type of cancer Steve has last about 10-15yrs maximum, depending on treatment, lifestyle, diet etc.
Steve resigning is the right thing to do to protect Apple, its investors and innovation.
Now everyone grow up and face reality – THINGS CHANGE – ITS A FACT OF LIFE!
GET USED TO IT.
To Tim and his possie … Bring it on!
petey petey petey … Calm down and get a grip, we know it’s an emotional time, you will be ok … were all here with you in your time of crisis.
Steve Jobs has provided fantastic technology I have enjoyed and admired since Apple II. His work has put a lot of joy in my life. I doubt anyone will ever have such a powerful positive impression in life again. Steve Jobs with his contributions should have as big a note in history books as any other person in history. Steve Jobs is the greatest person in my lifetime.
I wonder what huge project Steve just finished. I guess we’ll find out soon.
Congratulations MDN on your eloquence and heartfelt response to the announcement of Steve Jobs resignation from Apple Inc. What else could have been said? It is so difficult to replace genius and legend. Everyone wishes you well and the world salutes you … Steve Jobs!
Of the ways SJ could depart from Apple, the one being pursued is probably the best strategy; (1) medical leave (industry hopes for return, Apple does not explode in interim); (2) step back from CEO to a lower but still influential post with opportunity for creative input; (3),(4)… expect SJ to step even further out of the limelight in the future. Holding on to control the last moment is not a strategy. Surely SJ recognizes that backing slowly away is bound to be least disruptive to Apple, sad as it is to those of us who admired his time at the helm.
SJ lead inspired his team to build some great products. That alone is a tremendous legacy. Perhaps more importantly he lead the building of a great company. Great companies do not collapse and die because one person leaves. I expect Apple to continue to build great products which will be flexing my plastic into the future.
Speed of light. Steve Jobs remains in the Apple as Deux Ex Machina and he is one of the biggest shareholders and he has A(APL)AL our trust for it. Tim Cook is a person who tears apart ANY rival company in the matter of weeks. He maintains liberal arts, tecnology, execution, … Lets say so that Tim Cook is a CEO that will be studied over and over again.
This new era that just began is so wonderful, that there is no words for it.
Did you btw notice that Steve just laughed all the way to bank =)
(Fed+32 Euro Zone banks)
The sky is falling…
Ohhhh my gawd!!!!! The sky is falling, we are doooooomed!
I can no longer move my mouse, masturbate or properly go to the crapper, after reading all complete moronic comment here.
Bravo, Steve, for being the disruptive and innovative force you’ve been in the computing world. because of what you created I started on an Apple II in my late teens back in 1978 and am still using Apple products to this day.
I know that there are five-plus years of products in the pipeline that your creative vision has helped move towards fruition that will continue to amaze and delight me and my kids and have no doubt that my (possible) grandchildren will one day also use products that bear the Apple logo.
The vision of Apple won’t dimish.
Tim Cook as CEO? Works for me. Congrats to him, enjoy the ride, and never forget that disruptive innovation will keep growing Apple.
It occurs to me that perhaps Steve is stepping down now to mitigate the inevitable selloff that would happen if he died while holding the CEO position. This departure is much less disruptive to the markets I would imagine. I’m sure his health is the main reason, but it would be a smart, classy move to take this step and soften the blow. Of course, this is just rank speculation, but then, what have you read about the situation that isn’t?
He knows exactly when it’s time to ship.
I’m thinking that Steve’s health is not the reason he resigned at this time. I follow AAPL stock closely and I think this was exactly the right time to resign because stock prices are moving in tandem with the economy and not because of the value of the individual stock.
Thanks for the amazing ride, Steve. Good luck, Tim. 🙂
I was trying to sell Macs when Steve came back to Apple. I nearly cried because, at the time, almost nobody wanted to buy a Mac. Everyone had Apple on death watch. I KNEW Steve would straighten out the mess. I couldn’t have ever guessed how amazingly far up the ride would go for Mac users and Apple fans.
Tim is the best choice for his successor. Apple will be okay with him at the helm. I just hope the stock doesn’t take too much of a beating.
I hope Steve’s health stabilizes and he’s around to whack his great-grandkids with a cane.
Thank you Steve. Thank you Apple. Long live to all!
All my best to Steve, his Family and his Health… You will be missed.
I have complete confidence in Tim Cook, He is the right Choice to lead Apple into the Next Phase of its Unique and Genuine Evolvement.
Peace
I was saddened by the news and hope that Steve retired only because he truly felt that the demands on leading the world’s most valuable company were just a little too much for his current health.
People here seem to forget that a large part of Steve’s brilliance was getting the best people into place and pushing them to their limits. Tim Cook, Jonathan Ives made Apple work properly and produced the designs we all know and love. Both are geniuses. Steve will still be around to push them in his role as Chairman of the board.
And if the worst case scenario happens, Steve will always be in their heads pushing them.
Words fail me Steve. I can only say thank you for all you have given us and for having shown the world that a company can connect with the hearts of people, care for and listen to them. In return we view Apple from affection to fanatical love. It still amazes me that a company, A COMPANY, can elicit this type of emotion.
It is hard to separate the man from the company….we love both.