Photo credit: Ben Stanfield/Flickr

Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder and CEO, resigned yesterday evening as his battle with cancer continues. Chief operating officer Tim Cook has been chosen as his successor.

Jobs, along with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, co-founded Apple in 1976. In his letter of resignation he stated that he wished to stay on as the company's chairman and urged the appointment of Cook as replacement.

Jobs, 56, has faced an ongoing battle with various serious health problems including pancreatic cancer and a liver transplant. These health problems forced Jobs to take extended leave in January of this year, with Cook acting as interim CEO in his absence.

In his time with Apple, Jobs masterminded and oversaw of the iPod, iPhone, the iPad and, most recently, the iCloud.

Jobs' letter of resignation in full:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve.