APPLE chief executive Steve Jobs will take a medical leave of absence through June, saying his health issues "are more complex" than he originally thought.
In an email to employees released by the tech giant, Mr Jobs said he would take the leave of absence "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".
Mr Jobs, who disclosed on January 5 that he was being treated for a hormone imbalance, said that since that time "I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought".
"I have asked (chief operating officer) 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," he added.
"As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan."
Mr Jobs ended the email by saying he looked forward to seeing staff on his return.
Many web users have reacted to the news with sympathy for Apple's iconic leader.
"I hope they find a patch for you real soon," said one user on the New York Times website.
"A nice visit to Australia would do him well (there's a spare room at my place Steve if you need to get away from it all!)," said one user on the MacTalk.com.au forums.
One person even designed a "Get Well Soon" e-card for other fans to sign.
"Get well man. The world needs an iPhone 4G," said one comment on the card.
But perhaps the most poignant message came in the form of a Twitter post from cancer survivor and pro cyclist Lance Armstrong:
"Thinking of Steve Jobs."
Links
Apple press release - http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/01...
Steve Jobs on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs
Theories about Steve Jobs's health - http://www.alleyinsider.com/2009/1/dr-michael-jensen...
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