Originally posted on the 24th August 2026
Today, 24th August 2026, marks 15 years since Apple co-founder Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple.
On this day in 2011, Apple announced that Jobs' would step down as CEO, effective immediately. The Apple co-founder also released a letter, saying that the day had come where he could not fulfil his duties, and that he wanted Tim Cook to succeed him as CEO:
"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come. I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee. As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple."
Jobs had already been on medical leave since January, as he continued to battle his pancreatic cancer, with Tim Cook serving in his position temporarily.
He remained at Apple as Chairman, until his death just a couple months later, on 5th October 2011.
Steve Jobs helped found Apple in 1976, as the Apple Computer Company, alongside Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne to help sell the Apple I, a computer designed by Wozniak.
Since the founding, Jobs helped introduce revolutionary new devices including the Macintosh in 1984, before being forced out the company amid disagreements with then-CEO John Sculley.
Steve Jobs went on to design computers at a new company he founded, NeXT, which was itself acquired by Apple in 1997 allowing his return to the company.
Jobs took the role as Apple CEO in 1997, and introduced many new, highly successful products, including the iMac G3, MacBook Pro, iPod, iPhone and iPad.
Today, the iPhone, Mac and iPad remain major product categories within the company.
This anniversary comes as current CEO Tim Cook steps down next week. His successor, John Ternus, has been at Apple for 25 years, working under both Jobs and Cook.
Thumbnail Image Credit: Ben Stanfield
