Apple undergoes Jobs cuts

For the second time in as many weeks, Steve Jobs has issued an official statement about his health and how it relates to his role as Apple CEO.

Whereas a previous statement attributed a weight loss to a hormone imbalance, leading to him opting to take the holiday season at home with his family, it doesn't appear that his health situation is getting any better.

Jobs is a pancreatic cancer survivor, and many rumours have swirled around as to whether he's actually in remission or not. All today's statement says is that his health issues are "more complex" than Jobs initially thought. On that basis, he's stepping down from his role as Apple's CEO.

If you ever wanted proof that a lot of people equate Apple with Steve Jobs, and Steve Jobs exclusively, look no further than Apple's stock price, which shed 10% of its value on the news of Jobs' enforced leave.

Apple's Media department took the somewhat unusual step of posting an email, which it says was sent to all Apple employees, on its media relations website:

Team,

I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, 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. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.

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.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple’s day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.

I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.

Steve