Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies aged 56

"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," Apple said.

Jobs announced he was suffering from pancreatic cancer in 2004.

Microsoft boss Bill Gates said Jobs' "profound impact" would " be felt for many generations to come".

Mr Gates added: "For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honour. I will miss Steve immensely."

US President Barack Obama also paid tribute: "Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it."

And New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that "America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come".

'The face of Apple'

In the statement Apple said: "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being".

"Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Jobs had built a reputation as a forthright and demanding leader who could take niche technologies - such as the mouse and the graphical window-based interface - and make them popular with the general public.

He introduced the colourful iMac computer, the iPod and the iPhone to the world. His death came just a day after Apple unveiled its latest iPhone 4S model.

In 2004, Jobs announced that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer and he had a liver transplant five years later.

In January, he took medical leave, before resigning as CEO in August and handing over his duties to Tim Cook; Kazinform cites BBC.

To learn more go to www.bbc.co.uk