Steve Jobs Dead: Apple Mourns Founder's Passing

Steve Jobs died at the age of 56 on Wednesday evening.

Jobs, who left his job as the head of Apple, the company he co-founded in 1976, suffered from pancreatic cancer for many years. Apple dedicated their homepage to Jobs on Wednesday evening, showing a full page photo of the computer entrepreneur, along with the words Steve Jobs, 1955-2011

Jobs kept his health problems quite for many years, releasing the simple statement of ...my doctors think they have found the cause [of my weightless] - a hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy.... The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment in 2008.

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today, Apple's board of directors said in a statement.

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' passing came just one day after Apple held its first live press conference without its founder at the helm. On Tuesday, the company introduced the iPhone 4S to much acclaim.

Tim Cook took over as the head of Apple earlier this summer.

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come, Jobs said in a brief letter announcing his resignation in August.

Jobs' innovations, which included huge advances in personal computing, the iPod and the iPad, have changed the world and dictated the future of technology. He will be missed by his company and millions of loyal Apple users.