Steve Jobs granted medical leave by Apple

Chief executive hands over responsibilities to Tim Cook

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs has been granted medical leave from the company.

In an email circulated to staff earlier today, Jobs (pictured) confirmed that he is to relinquish his day-to-day responsibilities to chief operating officer Tim Cook on medical grounds.

It states: "At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

"I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy," it continued.