Apple has issued a media advisory statement today from Steve Jobs which says he is taking a medical leave of absence to focus on his health. Here’s the full wording of Jobs’ letter.
Team,
At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.
I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.
Steve
Many expected Jobs to be at the recent launch of the Verizon iPhone, so this announcement might explain why he was absent. In the past Jobs has suffered from pancreatic cancer, and had a liver transplant in 2009 during a six-month leave of absence. According to a report in the New York Times quoted by MacRumors, Jobs has been experiencing “ups and downs†of the type associated with immune system problems caused by liver transplants.
Source: Apple, Steve Jobs Taking New Medical Leave of Absence [Updated] - Mac Rumors