I know I am late on the announcement of Steve Jobs leaving Apple because he is no longer able to do so. This advances Tim Cook as the new CEO of Apple. Steve Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2005 and was cured with surgery. But has been battling illnesses since then, and had a liver transplant in 2010 and has not been in the best of health since. I am sad that Steve Jobs has left Apple due to health reasons, but I feel that Steve has built a corporate culture and when something is created the people of Apple will think what will Steve think, and will uphold the the best of quality and design. I have no doubt that Tim Cook will lead the company in the right direction because he came to Apple the same time that Steve Jobs came back to Apple back in 1998.

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

Watch this video from Stanford 2005 Commencement Steve tells 3 stories from his life

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