Steve Jobs takes leave for a medical sabbatical

The Apple CEO's health problems are "more complex than [he] originally thought," so today, Tim Cook will be placed in control as Jobs takes a medical leave of absence.

Last Week, Apple CEO Steve Jobs released an uncharacteristic statement to the public regarding his health, and addressing speculation about why he would not be appearing at Macworld.

Jobs said his health condition was attributable to a hormone imbalance which his doctors said could be treated. He also said that if he was unable to fulfill his duties, he would be stepping down as CEO.

Today, Jobs issued a further statement that he may be doing just that.

"Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family," reads Jobs' statement this afternoon, "but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.

"In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products," Jobs continued, "I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June."

Jobs assigned Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook to handle day to day operation, just as he had done in 2004 when Jobs had surgery for pancreatic cancer.