Steve Jobs' departure from day-to-day involvement in Apple's affairs has looked increasingly likely the longer his medical leave has stretched out.

Still, that's given the company plenty of time to organise the succession plan, and so following Jobs' resignation as CEO, new chief executive Tim Cook has been reassuring the staff.

In an email leaked to ars technica, he argued it's going to be business as usual.

"I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change," he explained.

"I cherish and celebrate Apple's unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that - it is in our DNA."

Future perfect

Pointing to Jobs' role, Cook said, " We are really looking forward to Steve's ongoing guidance and inspiration as our chairman".

He also echoed Jobs' expectation for the company's future.

"I am confident our best years lie ahead of us and that together we will continue to make Apple the magical place that it is."

[source: ars technica]