The king is dead, long live the king. Except he’s not quite dead yet, just resigning, but you know what I mean. Anyway, after 14 years in service to the mighty glowing Apple, CEO Steve Jobs is packing up his stuff and moving on.

“I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know,” he writes in his resignation letter. “Unfortunately, that day has come.”

It’s been a long time coming. Steve Jobs co-founded Apple back in 1976, and after wandering here and there a bit, returned as CEO in 1997. Since then, he has consistently impressed audiences in convention centres all over California with his uncanny ability to pull new products out of his pockets.

He’ll stay on as Chairman of the Board, director, and “Apple employee”.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” says Apple board member, Art Levinson. “

Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

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