Apple founder and former CEO of same Steve Jobs has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, the company announced.

The always-smiling 56-year-old stood down as Apple chief executive on August 24 this year citing health issues, but continued his role as one of the board of directors.

This was not his first brush with cancer; the Apple visionary had earlier battled pancreatic cancer in 2004 and had received a liver transplant in 2009.

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," Apple said in a statement posted on their website.

"Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor.

"Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Jobs started Apple Computer in his parents' garage in 1976 with his best friend Steve Wozniak.

Due to a power struggle in 1985, Jobs left the company, moving to animation powerhouse Pixar studios. Steve was instrumental in turning the studio into a blockbuster making hotshot.

He did eventually return to Apple however; but this time as CEO. Such a move breathed new life into the then-fledgling company, beginning with the successful iMac computer.

Using his wings of wisdom, Apple was able to revolutionise the experience of music and the industry itself with the introduction of iPods and the iTunes store.

Unabated, Apple broke new ground in the phone industry by introducing the iPhone.

Steve Jobs also oversaw the introduction of the iPad tablet computer in 2010.

Jobs is now survived by his wife Laurene and four children.