Apple Inc. said the company's co-founder Steve Jobs died Wednesday. He was 56.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," the company said in a brief statement.
"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."
The wire crossed at 4:38 p.m. Apple confirmed the death. In a brief statement the company said Jobs died Wednesday. Jobs had been battling pancreatic cancer.
The news comes one day after Apple announced the iPhone 4S and only six weeks after he stepped down.
It was the first big announcement in the post-Jobs era and was lead by the new CEO Tim Cook. Jobs was notably absent from the event, which was much more low key that most Apple events.
Apple's website is currently a tribute to its former CEO.
Copyright NBC San Diego / Associated Press
