Steve Jobs — the legendary co-founder of Apple and the tech visionary behind iconic products like iPod, iPhone and iPad — died in Palo Alto, California after losing a seven-year long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.
“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple,” the company said in a tribute to its visionary leader.
Jobs’ death triggered an immediate outpouring of grief. His followers and tech enthusiasts flooded Facebook and Twitter with their thoughts, posts, memories and condolence messages on this charismatic genius and master showman.
Describing Jobs as being “among the greatest of American innovators”, the US President, Mr Barack Obama, said: “he was brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world and talented enough to do it.”
Jobs “exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity”, he said.
“By making computers personal and putting the Internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun,” said the US President in a statement.
Jobs — who enjoyed a cult following had co-founded Apple in 1976 — and went on to transform the way the world listened to, and bought music.
He is also credited with revolutionising the computing and mobile phone industries, and leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult for his successors to measure up to.
However, a deteriorating health had reduced his public appearances, towards the end. In fact, just weeks before his death, Jobs had stepped down as CEO of Apple, turning over the reins of the company to his trusted deputy Tim Cook in August.