Apple has announced that the company's mastermind, Steve Jobs, has died. The man behind the iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac and iTunes, was just 56.
In 2004, Jobs beat pancreatic cancer, and in 2009 he was forced to get a liver transplant. After years of failing health, Jobs announced in August that he was stepping down as Apple's chief executive.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," said a statement by Apple's board of directors. "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."
The homepage of Apple's website switched to a full-page image of Jobs with the text, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."
Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in 1976 and, with his childhood friend Steve Wozniak, marketed what was considered the world's first personal computer, the Apple II.
News of Jobs' death comes just after Apple released the latest version this week of its iPhone.
There's more on the story
here.
And for a taste of the man at his best, check out this great video...