Cancer Survivor Jobs becomes chairman of technology company, has been nominated as his successor, Tim Cook

Steve Jobs has stepped down as chief executive of Apple, to its Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook, surprising in a step that the signal that the 56-year-old co-founder of the company loses its fight against cancer can be replaced.

The announcement was made at about 4pm Pacific time in a statement from Apple following a letter from Jobs, who said: "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."

He added: .. "I hereby declare as CEO refrain from Apple, I would like to serve if the board deems necessary, as Chairman of the Board, Director and Apple employees far as my replacement goes, I recommend that we implement our succession plan and named Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

"I think Apple 's brightest and most innovative days ahead. And I'm looking forward to watching and contributing to their success in a new role. I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank all of you for many years to be able to work with you \. "

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Apple said that it was Cook who was hired by the company jobs in 1998, and was elected chairman appointed job of the board.

Apple 's shares fell by 7% in after-hours trading as the market, the impact of Apple losing its charismatic leader who had led them become \ from near-bankruptcy after re-entry in 1996 to the world digested' s most valuable company by market value in August. "Steve Jobs is not your typical CEO. He is both a visionary from a technology-industry perspective and a micro-manager", said Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman and Renshaw. "To say that he is instrumental and key in the turnaround of Apple 's fate, would be a gross understatement."

Fred Wilson, a venture capitalist, said, "'. He sadly M' I \ s the greatest entrepreneurs ever \."

No reason was given for the resignation, but Jobs has battled health problems in the past seven years. He was with neuroendocrine cancer of the pancreas diagnosed in 2003 and operated on in July 2004. Although he returned to work in a few months in April 2009 he received a liver transplant. Medical observers suggested that could be the long-term impact of the necessary autoimmune drugs mean that the cancer would return.

Jobs from a small number of public appearances in 2011, is launching a new version of Apple 's iPad tablet, attending a dinner with U.S. President Barack Obama and other technologies chiefs, frontman for the introduction of new software from Apple in June and plans be submitted to the Council on Cupertino tomorrow. But he always looked frail and thin, always looked like the first impact of the spread of cancer.

"Steve 's extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple, and they lead their position as the world' s most innovative and valuable technology company," said Art Levinson, Genentech chairman and a member of Apple 's board. "Steve has made countless contributions to Apple 's success, and he has attracted and Apple \ inspires's immensely creative staff and world-class management team. In his new role as CEO, Steve will continue to Apple to serve with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration. "

Analysts - who had been pressed to make Apple's CEO succession plan announced, without success - said that Cook has a safe pair of hands, but the question whether the company would be the same drive. "[Tim Cook] is very much viewed internally at Apple. From a range perspective, it is impossible to identify a better candidate. He has a track record to back it up," said Kumar. "What Steve Jobs is leaving a very deep and wide seat and they will continue in his footsteps."

Shannon Cross of Cross Research said: '. T or iPad next to the next iPhone affect Apple "\." It \ s product line-up is set well Steve, keep in mind is training people at Apple and there is a culture at Apple, which is very strong. "

The digital pioneer

Born and raised in San Francisco, Steve Jobs 'has mapped out career - and often defined - the rise of the digital era.

He co-founded Apple in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, the company revolutionized computing. In 1985, after a sales slump and jobs 'conflicts with management, he was overthrown. He continued to turn Pixar into one of the world 's most famous animation studios.

He returned to Apple in 1996 and what followed was the iMac, the iPod, the iPhone and iPad to redefine not only computers, but telecommunications and the music industry. Dominic Rushe