LOS ANGELES — Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind the Apple empire, died Wednesday at the age of 56.
Apple's Board of Directors issued the following statement: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. 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, the former chairman and co-founder of Apple, was the man behind Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac and iTunes.
The homepage of Apple's website switched to a full-page image of Jobs with the text, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."
Jobs on Aug. 24 announced his resignation as chief executive of the company. He had previously been afflicted with pancreatic cancer and prior to his resignation had been on medical leave for an undisclosed condition since January.