According to http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Apple-Media-prnews-14063824.html Steve Jobs has today sent the following email to all Apple employees:
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
I find it rather sad that people haven’t been able to focus on the high quality of products, but have started all these rumours globally — both on- and offline. Apple delivers top-notch products and the health of the CEO should never be a problem for buyers. If Steve Jobs had ever thought his health would have impaired his work as a leader he would have taken that leave of absence sooner. Reactions on the market towards Apple shares has hurt the business. It’s noble of Steve Jobs to take a few months off, but people should be fair towards the business.
Even our worst opponents in the hardware industry must admit that Apple products ARE better than many other producers. Jealousy shows a strange and ugly head, but we certainly hope people will focus on the quality of Apple products rather than who is CEO.