Steve Jobs dies, aged 56

Apple co-founder and former chief executive Steve Jobs has died aged 56, the US technology company announced.

The company 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.”

Mr Jobs had battled cancer in 2004 and underwent a liver transplant in 2009 after taking a leave of absence for unspecified health problems.

He took another leave of absence in January – his third since his health problems began – before resigning as CEO six weeks ago.

Mr Jobs became Apple’s chairman and handed the CEO job over to his hand-picked successor, Tim Cook.

Mr Cook said Apple had “lost a visionary and creative genius”.

In an email circulated to staff he said: “Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

“No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honour his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.”

The news Apple fans and shareholders had been dreading came the day after the company unveiled its latest version of the iPhone, just one in a procession of devices that shaped technology and society while Jobs was running the company.

A statement from the Jobs family read: "Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family."

"In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories."

"We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief."