Steve Jobs had already temporarily retired twice for health reasons, namely in 2004 (cancer treatment) and 2009 (liver transplant). 15 years ago, the third announcement was made that he would temporarily no longer be able to carry out his official duties. In a letter it said: “At my request, the Board of Directors has granted me a medical leave of absence to allow me to focus on my health. I will continue to serve as CEO and remain involved in the company’s key strategic decisions. I have asked Tim Cook to assume responsibility for all of Apple’s day-to-day operations.” Formally still CEO, Cook actually took over permanently
Even if he emphasized that he would remain CEO, it should only be a formal title, as Tim Cook actually took over permanently at this point. Jobs, however, did not return to his previous position because his illness had weakened him too much. Jobs didn’t officially hand over the baton to Cook until August, but January 2011 marked the actual change. According to Walter Isaacson’s official Jobs biography, it was clear to everyone involved at this point that this was not a bad phase and that no recovery could be expected – the targeted therapies were no longer working.
Jobs’ last public appearance, June 2011
Three public appearances were to follow
Jobs was still involved in strategic decisions, but this mostly took place at his home in Palo Alto. However, he saved his limited energy for three moments that seemed particularly important to him personally: the presentation of the iPad 2, the WWDC 2011 with the announcement of iCloud, and the appearance before the Cupertino city council to promote the building permit for Apple Park (then “Apple Campus 2”). It was no longer about his previous CEO life, but it was a final act with three deliberately placed appearances. As mentioned, Jobs resigned in August 2011 and then succumbed to his illness in October 2011.
