Steve Jobs Taking Leave Of Absence

Author	Hugo Jobling
Published	15th Jan 2009

7 comments Email

TrustedReviews Newsletters

Having dismissed the rumours circulating about his health pre-MacWorld, we might have been forgiven for thinking (or, for those of the Church of Apple probably praying) that we'd heard the last about Steve Jobs' health for a while. Sadly, especially for Apple's CEO, that isn't the case and Jobs has now announced that "In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June."

This decision isn't entirely health related, though. Jobs says that "the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well." Although his medical issues are a factor in this decision to take some time off as well, unsurprisingly. Jobs' explaining that "during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought."

Taking over from Steve Jobs during his absence is Apple's Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook. However, Jobs says he still plans "to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out" which, thinking optimistically, implies that while apparently more serious than initially thought, Jobs' health issues still aren't too severe.

Apple.

Latest 4 of 7 Comments

Have your say: Leave a comment below about this article.

Hugo said on 15th January 2009

It's still recognisable and, more importantly, it's awesome!

Gordon said on 15th January 2009

@smc8788 - was thinking the same thing, but it's a Hugo quirk. We have a modern Apple thumbnail but he refuses to use it!

Chocoa said on 15th January 2009

Its sure good to see people here wishing the guy well, all some people on others sites have done is bitch about is how his absense will affect shares in Apple with him of the hot ... more