Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies

Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple, has died at the age of 56.

Jobs stepped down from the position of CEO In August due to his ongoing struggle with pancreatic cancer. Today, outside Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, flags are flying at half-mast.

A statement released by the company's board of directors praised Jobs as, "the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."

In an e-mail to Apple's staff, Tim Cook, who replaced Jobs as CEO of the company, said, "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being."

"Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Today, the most powerful and influential people in global commerce and politics paid tribute to Jobs' legacy.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said that working with Jobs was "an insanely great honour," and Google CEO Larry Page praised his "incredible achievements and amazing brilliance."

"Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it," said US president Barack Obama in a statement.

"By building one of the planet's most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity."

Apple is planning a celebration of Jobs' life and work for all of its employees.