NBC on SheWired: Apple CEO Takes Medical Leave - Video

Apple has granted CEO Steve Jobs an unexpected medical leave, but did not specify how long the leave will be, or provide any further information on 55-year-old Jobs' health. 

Jobs underwent a liver transplant in 2009, and specified before taking that leave that he would be back after six months. This time, his announcement just says that he hopes to return. He did say that he will continue as Apple's CEO, and will be involved in major decisions. 

Apple's Chief Operation Officer, Tim Cook, will take over all the company's day-to-day operations. Cook took over in Jobs' absence in 2009, and in 2004 when Jobs had pancreatic surgery. 

Jobs has been Apple's driving force, and public face. Under his leadership, Apple launched products ranging from the Mac computer in 1984 to the iPod, iPhone and iPad. 

Later today, Apple will announce its quarterly earnings, while investors and experts monitor the effect on Wall Street. 

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