传奇落幕：苹果CEO乔布斯逝世

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has died. Apple's homepage at www.apple.com currently shows a solitary photo of Jobs (see above) and simply says, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."

Apple's board of directors has issued the following statement:

"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 has been instrumental in many of Apple's hit products, stretching back to 1976 with the Apple I and all the way to the modern-day iPhone and iPad. He revealed to Apple employees in 2004 that he'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent at least one liver transplant in 2009.

Apple has reportedly released a statement saying that Jobs has died of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Laurene, and their three children. Jobs also has a fourth child from a past relationship named Lisa, after whom he named Apple's "Lisa" computer in 1983.

Another statement on Apple's website at apple.com/stevejobs reads:

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of use 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.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences, please e-mail rememberingsteve@apple.com"

Over on TIME.com's business section, Jobs' obituary reads, in part:

"Steve Jobs, whose death was announced on Wednesday night, wasn't a computer scientist, He had no training as a hardware engineer or an industrial designer. The businesses that Apple entered under his leadership — from personal computers to MP3 players to smartphones — all existed before the company got there.

But with astonishing regularity, Jobs did something that few people accomplish even once: he reinvented entire industries. He did it with ones that were new, like PCs, and he did it with ones that were old, such as music. And his pace only accelerated over the years."

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has issued the following statement:

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

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.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."