Steve Jobs: ‘a creative genius’

Steve Jobs, who pioneered the revolutionary iPhone and iPad devices, was surrounded by his family when he died. Apple released a brief statement, saying it was “deeply saddened” by the news.

“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,” a company spokesman said.

“His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”

As news of Mr Job’s death emerged, tributes flooded in from around the world, paying tribute to the visionary businessman who revolutionised computing and product design.

Brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it. Barack Obama

President Barack Obama said that the world “has lost a visionary”.

“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,” the president said in a statement.

“He transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world. The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.”

Picture gallery: Evolution of Apple gadgets

Bill Gates, founder of the rival technology company Microsoft and friend of Mr Jobs, said he would miss him “immensely”.

“The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come,” he added.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, wrote on his Facebook page: “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”

Prime Minister David Cameron also paid tribute: “The world has lost one of the most inventive, creative, entrepreneurial geniuses of our time.

“He has been inspirational and while we’ve lost him, he has inspired whole generations of future inventors, creators and entrepreneurs and that’s going to be a tremendous legacy that he leaves.”

Tributes were also paid on Twitter, with Channel 4 News presenter @jonsnowC4 tweeting: “As an unapologetic Apple fan I’m saddened to awaken to the news of Steve Jobs’ death. One of the most innovative, leaders of our time.”

Tributes to Steve Jobs on the Channel 4 News Facebook page:

Dave Wainwright: Can't imagine life without my iPod (which I wear on wristband like a watch) , iMac, Macbook and iTunes library , the man was the foremost stylist and designer of our time . RIP Steve Jobs x

Ben Dawson: We will all miss Steve, whether people are Apple 'haters' or 'fanboys', we have all lost someone truly special. Technology wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for that genius of a man, and we are all indebted to him. At least we now know what the 'S' can stand for in the new iPhone.

Stephen Hopkins: Well, I do love my iPod. Sad loss.

Ali Mikkawi: Jobs to the 21st Century is like Einstein to the 20th Century. A true visionary and a humble man. RIP.

Mike Parenti: he revolutionised computing, we're all affected in one way or another by him. Rest in peace.

Jo Halleron: R.I.P. To a gentle, genius of a gentleman.