Share this article
Print this page
Email a friend
- RSS
- Today's Paper
- Subscribe
- beta 2.0
High: 33°C
Low: 27°C
Alerts
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dead at 56
Jobs' death was announced by Apple in a statement late on Wednesday.
Jobs, who fought a rare form of pancreatic cancer, was deemed the heart and soul of a company that rivals Exxon Mobil as the most valuable in America. PHOTO: AFP
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US: Apple Inc co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs, counted among the greatest American CEOs of his generation, died on Wednesday at the age of 56, after a years-long and highly public battle with cancer and other health issues.
Jobs’ death was announced by Apple in a statement late on Wednesday. The Apple.com homepage featured a black-and-white picture of him with the words “Steve Jobs, 1955-2011.”
The Silicon Valley icon who gave the world the iPod and the iPhone had resigned as CEO of the world’s largest technology corporation in August, handing the reins to current chief executive Tim Cook.
A survivor of a rare form of pancreatic cancer, he was deemed the heart and soul of a company that rivals Exxon Mobil as the most valuable in America.
“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,” Apple said in a statement announcing Jobs’ passing.
“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.”
Job’s health had been a controversial topic for years. His battle with cancer had been a deep concern to Apple fans, investors and the company’s board alike. In past years, even board members have confided to friends their concern that Jobs, in his quest for privacy, wasn’t being forthcoming enough with directors about the true condition of his health.
Now, despite investor confidence in Cook, who has stood in for his boss during three leaves of absence, there remain concerns about whether the company would stay a creative force to be reckoned with beyond the next year or so without its founder and visionary at the helm.
The news triggered an immediate outpouring of sympathy. Among others, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said he will miss Jobs “immensely”.
APPLE, NEXT, IPHONE
A college dropout, Buddhist and son of adoptive parents, Jobs started Apple Computer with friend Steve Wozniak in the late 1970s. The company soon introduced the Apple 1 computer.
But it was the Apple II that became a huge success and gave Apple its position as a critical player in the then-nascent PC industry, culminating in a 1980 IPO that made Jobs a multimillionaire.
Despite the subsequent success of the Mac, Jobs’ relationship with top management and the board soured. The company removed most of his powers and then in 1985 he was fired.
Apple’s fortunes waned after that. However, its purchase of NeXT — the computer company Jobs founded after leaving Apple — in 1997 brought him back into the fold. Later that year, he became interim CEO and in 2000, the company dropped “interim” from his title.
Along the way Jobs also had managed to revolutionize computer animation with his other company, Pixar, but it was the iPhone in 2007 that capped his legacy in the annals of modern technology history.
Two years before the gadget that forever transformed the way people around the world access and use the Internet, Jobs talked about how a sense of his mortality was a major driver behind that vision.
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life,” Jobs said during a Stanford commencement ceremony in 2005.
“Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.”
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
Read more:
stevejobs
Reader Comments (69)
Latest News
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari due in US on May 21
PPP co-chairman to attend the Peabody Awards, wherein the documentary "Bhutto" is one of the winners.
General Allen plays down urgency of Pakistan deal
Adds we don't want an agreement fast, we want an agreement that's right.
Animal Rights: Case against owner for pet dog’s attack on goat
Complainant Muhammad Sajjad said one of his goats lost an ear in the attacked by Amin Kumhar’s dog.
MOU: Islamia University to get new block
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had promised funds for the new block while speaking at the convocation in March.
Violation: Cases registered for illegal wheat sale
Middlemen have been banned from purchasing tokens during the current wheat procurement campaign.
Recent Slideshows
More in Pakistan
Capital Punishment: Man given double death sentence
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2012 The Express Tribune News Network.
Technical feedback? webmaster@tribune.com.pk
home main headline 1?
Recommend
So sad. This man stooped to conquer. May His Great Soul Rest In Perfect Peace. AmenRecommend
Stay hungry, stay foolish.. RIP Steve Jobs :(
Recommend
Fall of a hero
Recommend
Very sad to learn of his passing away :( RIP Jobs.
Recommend
May his soul rest in peace.
Recommend
RIP Steve Jobs.
His legacy will live on.
Recommend
You only come across people like Steve Jobs once in your lifetime. He was an inspiring visionary who changed how the world viewed/used computers, listened to music, used a phone for more than just making calls, and created the iPad. His gifts to technology will be enjoyed by not only present generations but also future generations as well.
I have nothing but respect and appreciation for Steve. We need a few visionaries like him who can change the future of Pakistan and the Pakistani people alike.
Recommend
Very sad day !!!!
Recommend
Steve Jobs was a revolutionary who changed not only the way we communicate but live our daily lives. An American icon of great import, he showed the world that it is possible to be both humble and great at the same time.
Recommend
Again some thing that reminds us that THIS WORLD IS MORTAL!
Recommend
Should be headlines on your web page………
Recommend
And this news will never sync in ..
Recommend
Steve Jobs will remain a hero of PC geeks….
Recommend
RIP STEVE JOBS …….A true visionary person with great management skills…..Recommend
True legend. The man changed the world quite literally. Visionaries like Jobs is as rare as it gets. RIP sir!
Recommend
Having NEVER donated a single dollar to charity, I am wondering how many billions of dollars Jobs took with him. He even banned all the apps on iPhone and iPad from reputable charity organizations. He thought the poor were poor because they were lazy. I would love to have seen what he would have done with no education and no food on the table.
I have never bought anything made by Apple and don’t intend to either. So, Jobs is dead? Whatever.
Recommend
im shocked!!
he z a man without comparison
Recommend
A legand, man like him comes once every 100 years.
I say this even though I don’t use Apple products.
Recommend
so sad, a legacy died…..
Recommend
We will miss him :(
Recommend
iSad…Very Very Sad :(
Recommend
An icon of technology. A real inventor. Sad!
Recommend
The protagonist of a game changing era of computing gone. He changed the perceptive the way we see computing and mobile telephony today. Time will never be the same from now on.
Recommend
The man who changed the computer and the world we live in. Still has my Apple computer early version running, without the crash.
He was ahead of his time. Introduced Newton ( not sure how many remembers it now) way ahead of palm pilot era.
Changed software to app. Ingenious .Rescued record industry during the era of Napster.
iPad-The best. Had he licensed the apple hardware the world would have never heard of windows.
He came, he saw, he conquered, and left a mark !
He is not gone. He is everywhere. Just look around guys, from iPhone to copy cat android to copy cat tablet, he is smiling and says “I did it”.
Recommend
My heart goeas away to Steve Jobs, for his job well done so that i may stay connected to the whole world with this magic called iphone in my hand, hats off to you sir.
Recommend
My iphone and ipad are crying!! ): RIP APPLE MAN!
Recommend
Sad news, May his soul rest in peace!
Recommend
RIP, Steve Jobs..
Recommend
We mourn his death and join the world community in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family and near and dear ones.
Recommend
sad news! He was an icon without a doubt who revolutionized gadgets industry. If you look at the local / international software industry you will see thousands of IT professionals on job, working on apple technologies and developing innovative apps. As a Pakistani and an IT Professional i appreciate him. iSad!
Recommend
I thought this would be the main headline. I took a while to scroll through this news.
Recommend
Its sad.
Recommend
IDeath…………….
Recommend
iRIP :(
Recommend
@Lee P:
He definitely donated some undisclosed amount for charity works. His policy is that while he is Business, he is a businessman. Never speaks and thinks about other things which diverts his mind. He is not a popularity hunter as well. He did do charity, but he decided not to go public. His charity might not be as equal as Warren Buffet. That is him, to decide how much to give, because it is his hard-earned money
Recommend
“The Great man left Great things for the World”
Recommend
The great man Steven P.Job is no more among us.He was among those known as makers of history
Recommend
RIP Steve Jobs. you left your mark on the planet.
Recommend
What a sad news……All his success gone down the drain he left the world like Alexander …….Steve Job should also have said what Alexander had said that my hands should be left out of cofin so that people can see that I am leaving the world empty handed
Recommend
iRIP Steve….
Recommend
A man who has rightfully earned the respect of millions across the globe. A true visionary and genius. RIP Steve Jobs. You will be missed.
Recommend
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, i guess he was so deeply and passionately involved in changing the way people used technology that he forgot eat his share of apples. u will be truly missed.
Recommend
@Lee P:
You know what’s ironic, Lee? You would NEVER have been able to post this comment against Steve without the following things HE helped bring you:
A personal computer
Fonts
A GUI-based mouse
A GUI for personal computers
I can list other things
He didn’t donate to charity, and THAT’S your gripe? He brought the entire WORLD to embrace personal computing. Laptops that we use today to WORK in charities? Steve Jobs. People without hands to use for keyboards and hence use retro-fitted computer mice? Steve Jobs.
Are you saying that ONLY financial contributions make a difference? Because honestly, he gave a LOT more than cash. He gave ways to MAKE that cash.
It’s easy to find reasons to hate, very hard to find the reasons to love despite them being there.
Recommend
Heartbreaking. One of the strongest bricks in wall of capitalism just fell. RIP Steve, you’ll be remembered in the heart of every true entrepreneur.
Recommend
Very Sad news! I was shocked to read the news in the morning. RIP Steve!
Recommend
It doesnt matter if he donated his money or not, that was not his job/responsibility and he was not running a charity organisation either. He was an entrepreneur. His job was to create masterpieces and keep us and the generations after us mesmerized for our lives.
Recommend
He was and will be the lagacy
Recommend
iSAD!!!!
THE WORLD HAS LOST A TECHNOLOGICAL VISIONARY AND A GENIUS!!! HIS MEMORIES AS “AN ENABLER” WILL FOREVER REMAIN PART OF OUR LIVES IN SHAPE OF HIS CREATIONS. RIP STEVE JOBS!
Recommend
A great man who made the world so easily accessible to everyone.May God bless him and rest his soul.Amen .
Recommend
A genius passes away and may Allah bestow Jannah on you.
Inna “Lillah e Wa’Inna Alay’he Rajayoon” [yes such people deserve to go to the Heavens which we think belongs to us for some funny reason]
Recommend
5 lessons which we can learn from the life of Steve Jobs:
http://wisdomfrombooks.com/the-story-of-mr-steve-jobs/
Recommend
I think he died because he was dissapointed with iPhone4S release from the new CEO Tim Cook.
Recommend
@sami:
Insensitive and disgusting timing for a comment like that. You do realise that many industry leaders are saying the reason for the iPhone update being lacklustre was precisely because of Steve’s health?
Recommend
@Lee P: How long will you rely on the Dollars of the People like Jobs and Gates? Be pragmatic, try to build your own strengths. In fact, he has contributed a lot in technological charity. This can be understood by one, who uses the apple products. We will always be thankful to him.
Recommend
So Long, Steve Jobs!
iThankYou!
Recommend
@Anthony Permal:
I do admire his perseverance , and his ability in creating ‘stuff’ related to things computers.
BTW, I do not think he was a messiah for modern age personal computing. Millions, for decades, starting in the 1950s have contributed big time. Dozens of Nobel Prizes have been given out in that field – he isn’t one of them. Believe me, I have lived through Silicon valley, I was there. GUI and the mouse are patents which belonged to Xerox. Apple used them illegally and settled on it later. Apple produced expensive computers – few could afford it in early 90s. It took the wintel combo to lower prices so that every household could have it.
He just became the commercialized poster-child for the face of modern personal computing.
The stock options scandal 7-8 years back, in which Apple backdated options so that Jobs could make upwards of $200 million in that deal for that year alone, lowered him in the eyes of many silicon valley professionals.
View from across the world – Funny, the country is in near flames, and the only problem some people find is that some folks here are ‘insensitive’ to Jobs lifetime achievements?
Recommend
Steve Jobs was vastly overrated. IBM far surpassed Apple in so many ways.Recommend
Indians will claim steve job was killed by ISI
Recommend
Sad day for all who love Apple/Pixar, not just for the geeks though.. I have always been inspired by his non-conventional leadership style, his inspiring career (Thatgetting the boot by your own company is certainly not the end!!), his straight-forward approach, his passion to never compromise quality and driving perfection to make dream a reality…. Lets hope his vision never dies!
Recommend
The three apples which changed the world:
Eve’s apple
Newton’s apple
Steve’s apple
May God bless them all.
Recommend
@Mirza: Very well said, my favorite comment amongst all others here.
Recommend
A man dies in the USA, thousands of miles away a normal Pakistani Student reads the news in the morning, and he is sad, all day. This is steve jobs, making countless people sad, if not making them cry. A true fighter, the real trend setter, and yes, he really did it ! Interestingly, all of his inventions are icons of styles, yet, simple and elegant ! And he too, inspite being the creater of things that were a statement of style, was found wearing simple jeans and T shirts ! This probably showcases his belief in his own self !
Recommend
Sad News
Pulsive Networks UK.
Recommend
RIP Steve Jobs..
Recommend
Steve Jobs- a passionate technologist, innovationist with a phenomenal artistic sense- R.I.P
Recommend
No doubt the world has lost a genius. R.I.P Steve. As someone said, “you came and touched the ugly industry of technology and made it beautiful.”
RIP.
Recommend
strong text I-Amjad Syed Advocate, organizational Consultant and Chairman of a Human Rights Trust in Islamabad-Pakistan, have been deeply shocked to hear the said demise of so legendary person- Steve Jobs, It is more shocking to me that US Govt. did not took serious the dangerous disease of top personality of this level. It did not appointed any board of doctors from long, after coming to know his fatal disease. Due to inventions of this calibre person, US Govt earned billions of dollars and millions of persons employed and earned throught world. My email is aihrtrust@yahoo.com, cell no.03085525393. Now US Govt should build a very impressive monument for his memory to the world for the person who changed workings of world people/human kind positively, progressively and benefically. Secondly US Govt./Congress should make law that any such personality treatment caring after coming to know,will be also US Govt/Congress responsibility. I could not did any service for such a personality inspite of coming to know from many months about his fatal disease, I am also very ashamed.I am prepared to provide 1250 square foot plot for his monument in Islamabad Pakistan, to remember him in Pakistan. Thanks for this page provision to this company for expression of sorrow for THE GREAT STEVE JOBS. ——-from Amjad Syed
Recommend
Jobs should be credited with making technology more main stream from the first MAC to the iPhone he put technology into the hands of everyday people that didn´t necessarily have the intelligence or inclination to otherwise access it.
Recommend