Today is the historic day we knew would come: Steve Jobs just resigned from Apple.

25 Aug 2011 | in Steve Jobs history, Steve Jobs news


So many signs were given to prepare us to that historic piece of news: not only did Steve take an unlimited medical leave of absence, he started planning a new home, and cooperated on his first authorized biography… So it would be foolish to pretend we didn’t see Steve’s resignation coming. Yet I’m sure it still resonates as a shock many of us. It certainly does to me.

Here is the letter most of you will have already read I’m sure.

August 24, 2011 06:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Letter from Steve Jobs

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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

I will give myself some time to think more deeply about the future of Apple and of course, of Steve himself. What I am dreading the most is the noise that we, “the Apple Community” — and especially we, Steve Jobs admirers — will have to endure in the coming months from ignorant analysts or sensationalist hacks about that historic event. I hope they will show Steve the respect he deserves.

Good luck to Tim Cook for running what is, has always been, and probably always will be, Steve’s company — and certainly his greatest masterwork.

Thank you Steve for the incredible journey you have led Apple and all of us on. I’m sure it is not over. After all, today is the first day of the rest of your life. 

 


21 Responses to Today is the historic day we knew would come: Steve Jobs just resigned from Apple.

  • Name (required) commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 02:07

    Was (& will always be) my hero.

  • Max commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 02:46

    Ever since my fathers first Apple product, I have been addicted to Steve & his brilliance. In a slight way I feel betrayed. Although, in all reality, it must be the most appropriate move for him to make for one reason or another. I have “worshipped” Steve for a long time now. I in fact have a Steve Jobs shrine located in my house. I am anticipating the more thorough explanation & reasoning behind this very odd move in Apple’s history. This is for sure a day to remember. Regardless of the change, I’m fairly sure that Steve’s “fans” (or more likely, cult members) will continue (if not extend) their extreme support. I know I will. Good luck to Steve. I can say on the behalf of all of your cult members, we ALL hope you are well.
    & of course … Thank you Steven Paul Jobs!!

  • Ranjana Pavamani commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 02:51

    I just want to thank-you for being that example and sharing your life so openly so that we can all make it, if we just stick out the pain a little bit (most times find the answer there).

    I have been a Trainer in the IT Industry in India and have pointed you to those that I have trained.

    I love your statement at Standford University that you got to find what you love …love what you do. I love working with Addiction Counseling/ training/ treatment and Prevention.I just cant think of anything else better in life.

    Your life is and always been an inspiration to me and to to us young people in India.
    I really pray that at this bend in the road that you may have many beautiful moments with your family and know that all us around the world are so thankful for your exemplary life.

  • Iwan Junifanto commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 03:06

    I’m sure it is not over.

  • Mattia commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 08:52

    I haven’t words!
    Thank you for all Steve and good luck.

  • Stine commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 09:54

    “An apple a day will keep the doctor away” and you have certainly worked your way through a lot of “apples”. I will send you praiers and I will beg for a miracle. Your work here is not over yet, you WILL get better…. I just know! Many thoughts are sent to you from Denmark

  • Artyom commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 12:56

    No, it is not over. Steve still will be on the board of directors and I’m sure Tim Cook will discuss further Apple’s moves. Being so addicted to his work in Apple and having that important position it is impossible to just leave the company in one day. Steve will resign gradually.

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  • vixien_79 commented on 25 Aug 2011 at 22:55

    I am sure you’ll get better soon!!!!

    “Stay hungry, stay foolish” my milestone!!
    Your commencement speech to the graduates of Stanford University in 2005 helped me to keep my motivation high on reaching my dreams…
    These days I need it more…I will wait patiently for your return!

    Thanks for make me dream Steve!!!

  • beinke commented on 26 Aug 2011 at 05:42

    A Great American , I PRAY

  • Rohit Sharma commented on 26 Aug 2011 at 06:40

    People like Steve are from parallel world who intervene into ours in order to evolve us for good.

    • Bo Hedqvist commented on 26 Aug 2011 at 11:41

      From time to time, mankind encounters someone completely different. Someone so out of the ordinary, that that person truly change things.
      Quite often, we tend to see that special brand of genius more clearly, looking back, into the depths of history. We admire Leonardo, Galileo, Michelangelo, Newton, Einstein, and somewhat regret that we were not able to be around when they had their moments.
      But guys, we are all lucky enough to be on the planet together with Steve and we have all, with our own eyes, seen the world change. We are so lucky!
      Steve made us look differently at things. He encouraged us all to think differently and his Stanford speech has made a tremendous impact on everyone that have shared it, I’m sure.
      I’m so very grateful to Steve and so very happy about what he created.

  • gianna franceschini commented on 26 Aug 2011 at 13:17

    Steve, you’ re an amazing person! as a human being you made mistakes but you have given the world what it wouldn’t have otherwise and have shown the world what a design means: mac and i phone and i pad and all things apple are amazing creatures of yours and all of them have the pattern of your mind and your soul. i LOVE my Mac -mac mini-, thanks Steve for this fine gift!
    In case you may read me, Take care dear Steve and i send you a GREAT kiss. gianna

  • Karen commented on 26 Aug 2011 at 17:26

    It cheeses me off that so many people writing and commenting all over the internet only talk about the past decade of his career, yet he was a legend even in the 80s, and in more an one industry. He was more incredible than they realize.

    But that’s not what’s important.
    Like Stephen Fry tweeted, “Terribly upset at the thought of Steve Jobs not feeling well enough to be CEO. Wishing him all the very very best…”

  • Elitsa commented on 27 Aug 2011 at 00:14

    Steve Jobs is the most creative and inspiring innovator, entrepreneur and business leader and even one of the miracles of the 20 th century for me. In the 21st he succeed to change the technology market rules again creating the I-pad and tablets that are currently replacing the PC. He showed to Bill Gates who is the real market leader and the true creator 30 years later (after IBM stole the Apple PC prototype) and in a very beautiful way decided то get down of the stage as an absolute unconditional winner. Congratulations!

  • Paul Cruse commented on 28 Aug 2011 at 11:30

    I have based my business on Apple since 1995 and have been a FileMaker developer since 1998. I trust this man implicitly. Apple’s greatest product, Steve’s greatest product, is going to be it’s successor. I hope we have someone worthy of our support. The Apple community is based upon the tremendous good will that Steve has generated with his vision and execution of that vision. Countless times I have been treated as a friend by this company, not least of all when I use the products. Thank you Steve and I truly wish you and your family and your company, all the best for the future.

  • 2panac commented on 29 Aug 2011 at 18:19

    i will stay hungry and foolish,cause you did that too.

  • armani commented on 1 Sep 2011 at 00:01

    Steve its starter for you ,we ll come to you

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  • Anonymous commented on 5 Nov 2011 at 05:23

    He was a mastermind.,(immy)

  • aviiiiiii commented on 10 Apr 2012 at 11:02

    A celebration of Steve’s life, October 19, 2011

    Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
    steve jobs

    awsome words steve,
    rip