Jobs, who underwent an operation for pancreatic cancer in 2004 and a liver transplant in 2009, had remained with Apple as chairman of the board of directors.

Apple released a statement confirming Jobs' death.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," the statement said.

"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."

Jobs resigned as Apple CEO in August with Tim Cook named as his successor.

Jobs was the co-founder, chairman, and former CEO of Apple, after helping design and develop one of the first ever succesful personal computers, the Apple II.

He resigned from Apple after an internal power struggle in 1985, but was brought back into the fold when Apple bought out his company NeXT.

In August, Jobs was pictured looking almost skeletal with greying skin, and was held up by a friend, two days after ending as Apple's CEO.