The Long, Extraordinary Career of Steve Jobs

End of an Era
On Aug. 24, 2011, Apple's maestro told the company's board and the world that he was unable to continue as chief executive. Jobs, seen above on June 6, 2011, asked to serve as chairman and recommended that Apple COO Tim Cook succeed him as CEO. He said Apple's best days were ahead of it and expressed gratitude to his co-workers.

• The Beginning of a Post--Steve Jobs Era
• Do We Need the iPad?