Apple chief executive Steve Jobs is taking medical leave until June, as speculation about his health continues.
Only nine days ago, Mr Jobs - who previously sufered from pancreatic cancer - soothed jumpy investors somewhat by saying his dramatic weight loss over the past seven months was due to an easily treatable hormone imbalance. He had promised to remain at the helm throughout his treatment.
However, in an announcement last night the 53-year-old admitted his health problems were "more complex" than previously thought.
"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," Mr Jobs said in a letter to employees that was released by the company.
"In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought."
The revelation, which contained scant detail on Mr Jobs health, comes at a difficult time for the company behind iPod media players and iPhones but now grappling with a slowing product line, rapidly worsening consumer spending and an uncertain succession plan.
Chief operating Officer Tim Cook will take over day-to-day operations but Mr Jobs vowed to remain involved in major strategic decisions while he's away.
Mr Jobs, a college dropout, started Apple Computer with his friend Steve Wozniak in the Jobs family garage in Silicon Valley more than 30 years ago. The company soon introduced the Apple 1 computer. But it was the Apple II that became a huge success and gave Apple its position as a critical player in the then-nascent PC industry.
Speculation about Mr Jobs' health resurfaced in June 2008, when he appeared dramatically thinner at an Apple event. Mr Jobs is viewed as the driving force behind Apple's consumer-friendly products, which also include Macintosh computers.
Reuters, PA