Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has lost his seven-year battle with pancreatic cancer, it was announced today.

The technological visionary has dealt with health issues for close to a decade, going on a medical leave of absence this past January.

He continued to be a public figure for Apple until announcing his retirement in August.

"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," said a statement from by Apple's board of directors. "His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

Apple's impact on the video games industry, especially in recent years, has been undeniable. The iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch are some of the most popular portable gaming devices available.

The company announced the latest iteration of the iPhone yesterday, the iPhone 4S. It goes on sale later this month.

Apple is collecting thoughts and memories of Jobs through the email address rememberingsteve@apple.com.

Thanks for everything, Steve.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has lost his seven-year battle with pancreatic cancer, it was announced today.

The technological visionary has dealt with health issues for close to a decade, going on a medical leave of absence this past January.

He continued to be a public figure for Apple until announcing his retirement in August.

"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," said a statement from by Apple's board of directors. "His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

Apple's impact on the video games industry, especially in recent years, has been undeniable. The iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch are some of the most popular portable gaming devices available.

The company announced the latest iteration of the iPhone yesterday, the iPhone 4S. It goes on sale later this month.

Apple is collecting thoughts and memories of Jobs through the email address rememberingsteve@apple.com.

Thanks for everything, Steve.

So sad....

RIP Steve

That's sad. Not much else for me to say.

 Rest in Peace, Steve. 

Wow, he looks like Ashton Kutcher in that picture.

A damn shame...

that sucks but we all gotta die at some point. At least he did something great with his life.

ah. that second last paragraph should read "thoughts and memories", Patrick.

RIP Steve Jobs :(

This guy changed the game.

[Moment of silence.]

I didn't even know he had cancer :/

RIP....still don't like apple.

I think it's fair to say the world wouldn't be the same if not for him. Rest in peace, Steve.

@Kirklebum said:

Wow, he looks like Ashton Kutcher in that picture.

That's what I thought too

Sucks.

RIP dude. RIP.

RIP Steve Jobs. Great visionair

RIP Steve. It was hard watching the livestream earlier when you guys found out.

Without him, I wouldn't have a job right now. So I guess that's why he left...

RIP

RIP

@Kirklebum said:

Wow, he looks like Ashton Kutcher in that picture.

Biopic coming soon!

RIP

:(

:(

Poor guy RIP = (

I'm still a little shocked at the news. He will be missed and his influence will still be felt for years to come.

@Kirklebum said:

Wow, he looks like Ashton Kutcher in that picture.

Wow spot on.

Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs.

I may not have always been a fan of your work, but you did help revolutionize computers. Accessibility and solid build over power and choice. An interesting alternative that really opened up computing to so many who might have otherwise avoided it. And for gamers, you brought us Breakout, the computer mouse, and new mobile gaming platforms in the iPhone and iPad.

Pancreatic cancer is horrible, and it's a shame that Steve Jobs didn't pursue proper medical treatment for so long. Herbs and homeopathic medicine should never be given prominence over real medical treatment. It was a great blessing that he eventually decided to get the necessary treatment with a liver transplant and quality medicine so that the world could enjoy his presence for a number of years longer.

A day that has been expected for some time, but still a sad day for all of us who enjoy modern technology. He will be missed.

Now this is someone that I actually feel the need to drop a farewell comment for, because he achieved something great and moved technology forward. We throw our "you will be missed" around too often for it to actually mean what it's supposed to mean.

Anyway, I hate Apple and the people who enjoy their products, but I'll be damned if this man didn't change the fucking world. Rest in peace!

Sad thing to see someone in the prime of their life die so soon.

Wow I heard them talking about Steve Jobs on the livestream but I thought it was some kind of random discussion

RIP

RIP

Rest in Peace mister Jobs, you had a great run and contributed many things to the world. despite my own opinions on Apple products, i can't deny the amount of good Apple has done under your leadership. Godspeed.

This sucks. RIP

@Nomin: He did work for Atari, made Breakout, and developed multiple platforms for games, both on the desktop and in mobile phones.

RIP

I guess that settles it - an Apple away doesn't keep the doctor away.

Too early for him to go.

Wow. R.I.P. Didn't expect that.

Great man, almost single handedly revolutionised two computing platforms, and above all a nice guy.

At least he is free from his cancer now.

I get the feeling I'm going to be upset about this for a while.

Rip Mr.Jobs

r.i.p. one of the most famous father of modern technology

That's a damn shame. I literally just wrote a paper on how inspiring his speech was to the Stanford graduates of 2005 for college, as well. RIP

Sad news. I'm not saying anything we don't know... but I feel the need to chime in.

I shall always remember where I was when I heard the news. Building an underground Nether portal bunker full of lava.

Rest in peace, sir.

Ya. This got everyone at my work real sad when the news hit.

Real loss, he will be missed.