Steve Jobs Resignation Letter: Apple CEO Announces He's Stepping Down

Steve Jobs has stepped down from his position of Apple CEO, a role he has held since 1997.

Tim Cook takes over as CEO at the board's recommendation. Reactions to the news have been streaming in on Twitter.

Read Jobs's resignation letter below:

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.

Read more about the news, including Apple's response, here.

Comments

[thewho77]

04:13 PM on 08/29/2011

Jobs vs Gates? Jobs wins easily.

[thewho77]

04:12 PM on 08/29/2011

May your health return Steve.

[thewho77]

04:11 PM on 08/29/2011

With Jobs leaving the scene the Woz will become the new Dean of the Computer Industry.

All hail Dean Woz.

[pablitop]

04:16 PM on 08/25/2011

Good luck Steve.

[BettyInToronto]

01:47 PM on 08/25/2011

I am a 77 year old woman. I have an 21" desktop imac - an ibook - an itouch and ipad as well as my old [still working of course!] Indigo imac. I made my website on my mac and blog on my mac. I am helping an 84 year old friend learn her ipad2 which is her first and only computer. Thank you Steve Job! Thank you for making it easy -Thank you also for the way your products as so well packaged - it is always a treat to open them!
I wish a miracle for you and your family. Miracles do happen and you deserve one.

[diamonds61]

10:07 AM on 08/25/2011

Steve Jobs is a genius and has created many high tech gadgets for the entire world. It is amazing that we can send a man to the moon but we have not found a cure for cancer. Good luck Steve and you and your family are in my prayers.

[award12]

09:58 AM on 08/25/2011

I love all my apple products. I cringe when I have to use a PC.

I don't always like the marketing issues and the stories about the prototype iphone found etc. Marketing ways. the lack of flash. Rules of only 2 companies that can carry the iphone and their exorbadent rates and rules if you lose your iphone and your contract is not up then you buy at major full price.
I work on commercials. When I worked on an apple commercial (prepping, getting the set items) we were told it was something else. only my boss knew. that's how they roll. Secret secret

[aphextwin07]

09:46 AM on 08/25/2011

farewell Steve, thanks for your contribution to the industry.

[Matthew McCarter]

09:42 AM on 08/25/2011

See ya, bu BYE

[Sarina Pasricha]

09:30 AM on 08/25/2011

iPod, iPhone, iPad, iCloud... how about an iSteve?

[thewho77]

04:14 PM on 08/29/2011

Apple II, MacIntosh, iMac, Apple Store Music, iPod, iPhone, iPad, iCloud. He's done 3 times as much as Bill Gates.

[joebaggadonuts]

09:13 AM on 08/25/2011

If we all had the attitude he carries through life, that what we should do and contribute should be
"insanely great" and used our best judgement and taste as to what that should be, imagine just how great things would be for the rest of us.

[Singing Sparrow]

09:00 AM on 08/25/2011

I am wishing Steve Jobs the best in his treatments. I learned to "internet" on an apple machine and am writing on one now and there has never been a PC in our home. At work I did have to use PCs and Microsoft but never at home. Love and Light to you Steve Jobs.

[ohiotechie]

06:32 AM on 08/25/2011

Truly one of the giants of technology who's made a tremendous impact on the lives of everyone, even if you aren't using an Apple product the tech you are using was influenced by them. Good luck with treatment Steve.

[edn]

03:26 AM on 08/25/2011

I hope he has some time to enjoy with his family. Pancreatic cancer usually goes very quickly and he's been in treatment for years. I wish him well.

[Siren Song]

02:58 AM on 08/25/2011

I wish him the best, and hope that recovery is possible.