Apple CEO Steve Jobs is stepping down. In a letter sent to the Apple Board of Directors, Jobs states, “I can no longer meet my duties as Apple’s CEO,” but doesn’t go into any detail as to why. He then goes on to make a request that Tim Cook, Apple’s COO, who has already proven he can fill Job’s shoes in small doses, step into the role full-time. Jobs also asked to be appointed to Apple’s Board of Directors as it’s Chairman.
Apple accepted Jobs’ resignation appointing Cook CEO and allowing Jobs to take his place as Chairman.

This isn’t the first time Jobs has stepped away from his beloved Apple. In 1985 Jobs was forced out after an internal power struggle. While away Jobs developed the NeXTSTEP operating system which became the foundation for what would one day become OS X. When Jobs returned to (the then dying and on the verge of bankruptcy) Apple in 1997, Apple was infused with new life and began cranking out revolutionary first after revolutionary first, beginning with the Apple Store that set the stage for iTunes and the App Store.

Don’t go selling your Apple stock just yet. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jobs pull another hat trick from the Chairman’s seat at the Apple round table.