Apple grants Jobs medical leave

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs has been granted a medical leave of absence to focus on his health, a statement from the company said today.

In an e-mail to employees, Mr Jobs said he would continue as the tech giant's chief executive and be involved in any major strategic decisions the company would  make. "I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can," Mr Jobs said in the e-mail.

Chief operating officer Tim Cook is to be responsible for the firm's day-to-day operations in his absence.

Apple shares fell as much as 1.8 per cent in German trading following today's announcement.

Mr Jobs took a six-month leave of absence at the start of 2009 after undergoing a liver transplant.

He was treated for a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2004. His gaunt appearance at an Apple event in the summer of 2008 spurred worries the cancer had returned.

However, he later attributed his weight loss on a hormone imbalance.