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Apple co-founder and longtime Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs died on Wednesday at the age of 56 after years of battle against pancreatic cancer.

"Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family," Jobs' family said in a statement.

"We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief," said the statement.

Apple's website has changed to "Steve Jobs: 1955-2011," along with the most iconic picture in which the scraggly bearded charismatic man posed with one hand up to his chin.

Photo taken on Oct. 5, 2011 shows photo of Steve Jobs on the front page of www.apple.com. Apple Board of Directors announced that co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs passed away on Wednesday. [Xinhua]

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," the company said in a statement. "Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built and this spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday called Jobs a visionary leader and one of the greatest U.S. innovators.

"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," Obama said in a statement.

Apple Board of Directors also said "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."

According to a memo sent by CEO Tim Cook, Apple is planning a celebration of Jobs' life for employees that will take place soon.

Jobs took a medical leave of absence earlier this year, the third in his battle with pancreatic cancer that began in 2004.

On Aug. 24, he stepped down as Apple CEO, saying "I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come."

Jobs recommended former CEO Tim Cook take his place as CEO. On Tuesday, Cook gave his first product announcement as CEO unveiling the new iPhone 4S.

Tech leaders also paid tributes Wednesday evening to the late tech genius.

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death," said Microsoft co-founder and chairman Bill Gates.

"Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. 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 said.

Google co-founder and CEO Larry Page said, "He (Steve) was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it."

"Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product. And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met," Google co-founder Sergey Brin said on Google's social network Google+.

Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on his Facebook page that "Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world."

Twitter CEO Dick Costolo tweeted "Once in a rare while, somebody comes along who doesn't just raise the bar, they create an entirely new standard of measurement."

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