Apple chief Steve Jobs is taking medical leave of absence because of what he calls complex health issues, sparking worries about the future of the iconic maker of iPhones, iPods and Macintosh computers.
In an email to employees on Wednesday, Mr Jobs said he was going on leave ''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, 53, a cancer survivor who disclosed on January 5 that he was being treated for a ''hormone imbalance'', said that since then ''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 ...'' he added.
''As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out,'' Mr Jobs said.
Mr Jobs, who underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2005, looked gaunt at his last public appearance in September. AFP