Apple CEO Steve Jobs Once Again on Medical Leave

Steve Jobs, the long-time head of Apple, has gone on medical leave. He won't be handling day-to-day operations, but will continue to be involved in running the company.

He sent a message to all Apple employees this morning: 

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

Not for the First Time
This is the second time  Jobs has gone on medical leave -- the last time was in 2009 during which he had a liver transplant.

Despite Jobs' request for privacy, the course of his illness has always been watched very closely because he is considered a critical part of Apple product development process.

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