Steve Jobs, the iconic Apple leader, died Oct. 5 after a seven-year fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing
human being," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, who said the company is planning a celebration of "Steve's extraordinary life" for employees.
"Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family," said a statement from his family.
Jobs resigned on Aug. 24 after taking a medical leave earlier this year.
Tributes, observations and analysis of Jobs' death and its effect on Apple rippled throughout the PR realm after the news broke Wednesday.
"Over the years, Apple’s reputation rose, fell and then rose again. It was never the biggest PC maker, but it set the bar for user interface design because of its unique fusion of artistry and technology," observed Carol McGarry, executive VP for Schwartz Communications, noting his effect on the music industry, phones and laptops. Asking rhetorically if Cook can replace Jobs at Apple, McGarry was not so sure: "Part of me hopes the answer is yes, because Apple is a great company. And part of me knows the answer is no, because there was only one Steve Jobs."
The post-Jobs challenges at Apple were also on the mind of Robert Marston Associates' Jim Horton.
"It is as much a communications task as it is a job to continue the breakthrough innovation that Jobs created time and again, he said. "Although the company needs a mourning period, it is not too soon to start the perceptual transition."
Horton said the company needs to show its "bench strength," pointing out that Jobs didn't create Apple products alone. He said the next two or three product roll-outs will be critical.
Even those who didn't embrace the cult of Apple, Jobs and its products felt the news of the co-founder's passing.
PR pro and blogger Neville Hobson added: "I never met Steve Jobs, nor was a huge fan of Apple products from a user point of view (although I did love the iPhone when I used one) – nor, indeed, a fan of Apple’s corporate behaviour – but I feel a strong sense of sadness at the passing of an individual who had such a profound impact on people and how they use technology no matter where in the world they live and under whatever culture."
Links: NY Times (obit) | Washington Post (obit) | Tributes Pour in for 'Our Edison' (San Jose Merc) Down the Avenue (photos, reactions)
Previously: Nicolazzo - Apple Stands Alone in Strategic PR Savvy | Seitel - Apple Continues to Suffer with Ailing CEO | Apple Stock Tumbles as Jobs Takes Leave |