Apple's Steve Jobs steps down due to health

Shareholders show their concern by selling shares

Apple may not be looking so green over the next six months.

The stock fell 6% in after-hours trading, on news that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is taking a medical leave of absence until the end of June. Apple COO Tim Cook will be responsible for Apple's day-to-day operations. 

Here's an Apple release:

I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, 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, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple's day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.

I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.

Steve