Ten days ago Apple CEO Steve Jobs informed the world about his health issue. Now Steve Jobs has issued a media advisory announcing a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
The official reason for the leave is the ongoing public curiosity over his health and the distraction that comes with that for Apple and his family. COO Tim Cook is taking over until Steve Jobs gets back.
Apple shares fell 7% in after hours trading, which is not dramatic. Apple can do well without Steve Jobs breathing down employees' necks every day.
Steve Jobs came back to Apple in 1997 and it has been a crazy success story since then. Taking off for a couple of months is well earned.
I already see the rumors starting to run red hot about what big thing Apple is going to announce at the end of June when Steve Jobs comes back.
Via this Apple announcement.