Apple announced on Thursday that their founder Steve Jobs has died at the age of 56.

Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in 1976 and, with his childhood friend Steve Wozniak, marketed what was considered the world’s first personal computer, the Apple II.

His family said he died “peacefully”, as they thanked those who have supported them through the past year of his battle with cancer. “In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family,” relatives said.

“We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness.” Mr Jobs had taken three medical leaves of absence in the last seven years. On August 24 he resigned as chief executive of the technology giant.

He was once known as the man who saved Apple from financial ruin, but his legacy goes far beyond that; he will be remembered as one of the rare few people who changed the world. Jobs – a college dropout, Buddhist and son of adoptive parents – started Apple Computer with friend Steve Wozniak in the late 1970s.

The Silicon Valley icon gave the world the iPod, iPhone and the iPad, and was deemed the heart and soul of a company that rivals Exxon Mobil as the most valuable in America.