In August, Apple CEO Steve Jobs resigned from his post, saying he "could no longer meet [his] duties and expectations as Apple's CEO." Today the tech company announced that Jobs has died.

　　Steve Jobs introducing the iPhone 4 last year. (Credit: James Martin/CNET) "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," the company said in a statement. "Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

　　The company also invited people to share their thoughts, memories, and condolences in emails sent to [email protected].

　　Apple's board of directors released a separate statement about Jobs' death, saying, "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. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

　　Before stepping down as CEO, Jobs took three medical leaves of absence from Apple in recent years due to a string of health problems. Upon his latest leave in January, Jobs said he was turning over the company's day-to-day operations to COO Tim Cook. After Jobs resigned, Cook was appointed the company's new CEO. However, Jobs was to stay involved with the company in the role of chairman of the board.

　　Jobs was 56 years old.