Steve Jobs resigns as Apple chief executive

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, who has been ill for some time, has resigned as chief executive of Apple and will be replaced by chief operating officer Tim Cook. Jobs will become chairman of the technology firm.

The 56-year-old founder of Apple underwent a liver transplant following pancreatic cancer, and has been on medical leave for an undisclosed condition since January 17th.

In his resignation letter to the Apple board, Job says: "I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's chief executive, I would be the first to let you know.

"Unfortunately, that day has come. I hereby resign as chief executive 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."

Analysts say the move was not unexpected, and will have little impact on the day-to-day running of the company.

As we reported yesterday, the iPhone 5 is expected to be unveiled in October, alongside a cheaper version of the iPhone 4 for emerging markets.

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Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.