Steve Jobs, Apple Co-Founder and Visionary Leader, Has Passed Away at 56

Grok Entertainment Desk | October 5, 2011

 In a statement released this evening, Apple confirmed that co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs died today, October 5, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was 56 years old.

The company’s official announcement read in part: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”

Jobs had been battling pancreatic cancer since his diagnosis in 2003 and had taken multiple medical leaves from Apple, most recently stepping down as CEO in August 2011. He was succeeded by Tim Cook, who had been serving as interim leader during Jobs’s absences.

A Life That Reshaped Technology and Culture

Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 after the company acquired NeXT, the company he founded following his departure from Apple in 1985. His second act at Apple produced some of the most influential products in modern history:

• 1998: iMac G3 – revived Apple’s consumer brand with colorful, all-in-one design
• 2001: iPod – transformed the music industry
• 2007: iPhone – redefined the smartphone and mobile computing
• 2010: iPad – created the modern tablet category

Under his leadership, Pixar Animation Studios (which he acquired and later sold to Disney) also became the dominant force in computer-animated filmmaking, delivering classics such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Up.

Jobs was known for his uncompromising standards, legendary product presentations, and an ability to anticipate what consumers would want before they knew they wanted it. His influence extended far beyond technology into design, retail, entertainment, and popular culture.

Tributes Begin Pouring In

Reactions from around the world began almost immediately after the news broke:

• President Barack Obama: “Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.”
• Bill Gates: “I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.”
• Mark Zuckerberg: “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”

Flags at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters were lowered to half-staff this evening. Vigils and gatherings are already forming outside Apple retail stores in cities across the United States and abroad.

Steve Jobs is survived by his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, and four children.

The technology world—and indeed much of modern life—has lost one of its most singular and transformative figures.