In his resignation letter he said “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.”
In a statement about his death, Apple said “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”.
There can be little doubt of Steve Jobs’ contribution to the world of computing and modern technology. He was previously forced out of Apple by the then board of directors in 1985 but was brought back when the company was on the bring of bankruptcy in 1996.
After this time he spectacularly turned around the company’s fortunes firstly with the iMac and then with the iPod. Under his leadership, Apple reimagined a series of spectacularly failed products and made them hugely popular, capturing worldwide markets in smartphones and tablets. At the time of his death Apple is firmly on top and is also currently the biggest technology company in the world in terms of value.
Jobs had a reputation as a forthright and very demanding CEO who knew exactly what types of products should be released and what they should do. While many of his decisions have been criticised, including some business practices he instigated at Apple, there can be no doubt his contribution to technology is immeasurable. This brusque attitude occasionally came to light though, at no time more obviously than the notorious iPhone 4 antennagate affair when he reportedly told a phone owner “don’t hold it that way then.”
It is the general public around the world who Jobs’ work touched so much and there have been tributes pouring into Twitter, some of which are included below.
“You left your mark on our desk, on our ears and in our hands”
“You made the world a more interesting place. A leading light in technology has been extinguished.”
“It’s sad to find out of your death from a device you created.”
“He had the most gifted mind.”
“Thank you for dreaming, believing and creating a world of infinite possibilities. Your legacy will live forever.”
“RIP Steve Jobs, sent from my iPhone”
You can read more tributes on Twitter here.
