Steve Jobs, the Man Behind the iPhone and iPad, Has Died

Steve Jobs, one of Apple's co-founders and its CEO during many of its most successful years, passed away today. He was 56.

A statement from Apple's board of directors says, "Steve's 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."

Jobs co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak in 1976, and led the company during most of its existence as it went from desktop computer to laptops. A decade ago, he was at the helm when Apple launched the iPod.

In recent years, he has helped bring his company very significant success -- it's currently the largest smartphone and tablet maker in the world. More than that, the iPhone and iPad redefined their industries.

During this time, though, he had medical problems. He endured pancreatic cancer and received a liver transplant in 2009. On August 24 of this year, he resigned as CEO of Apple, after having been on medical leave since the beginning of the year.

A note from his family said, "he died peacefully today surrounded by his family." This included Laurene his wife and his four children.