To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

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.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

While not a surprise that the co-founder of the company would step down at some point, presumably in particular due to his on-going illness concerns, it is sending Facebook and Twitter feeds into a frenzy.

Details are scarce but what is reported so far is that Tim Cook (formerly Chief Operating Officer) has been made CEO and has joined the Board of Directors.

As a fan of Apple products, personally owning a few over the years, I’m certain that this move does little to the future of the company, with many capable hand-picked senior staff able to steer the company in the coming years.

I congratulate Steve Jobs for a great career as CEO of Apple and the best for the future.