“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,” Apple said.
Jobs announced he was suffering from pancreatic cancer in 2004.
US President Barack Obama paid tribute saying: “Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.”
Microsoft boss Bill Gates said his “profound impact” would “be felt for many generations to come”.
He added: “For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honour. I will miss Steve immensely.”
In January, Jobs took medical leave, before resigning as CEO in August and handing over his duties to Tim Cook, although he remained as chairman.
During his career, he introduced the colourful iMac computer, the iPod and the iPhone to the world. His death came just a day after Apple unveiled its latest iPhone ‘4S’ model.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg posted a message on his Facebook profile paying tribute to Jobs. He wrote, “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”
Google has today put rivalries aside to pay tribute on its homepage. Under the search box, a message simply reads: “Steve Jobs, 1955-2011,” and links to Apple’s homepage (which features its own tribute).
Jobs is survived by his wife Laurene and their three children.
Editor’s notes: Jobs had retired from Apple in August 2011 shortly after unveiling plans for the $5 billion Apple Park Campus which was completed in 2018, 7 years after his passing.