What they said

US president Barack Obama

“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.

“The world has lost a visionary and there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.”

Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and chairman

“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. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it has been an insanely great honour.”

Rupert Murdoch, chief executive of News Corp

“Today, we lost one of the most influential thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs of all time. Steve Jobs was simply the greatest CEO of his generation.

“While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I am reminded of the stunning impact he had in revolutionising the way people consume media and entertainment.”

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and chief executive, on Facebook

“Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”

Enda Kenny, Taoiseach

“Steve Jobs was a creative genius who broke down walls in business and opened doors in people’s minds. His innovative prowess in the area of technology has brought about a level of access to information for millions that few would have ever foreseen.

“His legacy will be not just his products and business achievements, but also the way in which he altered mindsets in the business world and in everyday life.”

Samsung Electronics chief executive GS Choi:

“Chairman Steve Jobs introduced numerous revolutionary changes to the information technology industry and was a great entrepreneur. His innovative spirit and remarkable accomplishments will forever be remembered by people around the world.”

Sony chief executive Howard Stringer:

“The digital age has lost its leading light, but Steve’s innovation and creativity will inspire dreamers and thinkers for generations.”

Bob Iger, chief executive of Walt Disney Co:

“His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined.

“Steve was such an ‘original’, with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started.”

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft:

“We have lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products.

“Steve fought a long battle against tough odds in a very brave way. He kept doing amazing things in the face of all that adversity.”

Michael Dell, chief executive of Dell:

“Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend and fellow founder. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come.”

Larry Page, chief executive of Google, on Google+:

“He 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. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me.

Steve Case, founder of AOL, on Twitter:

“I feel honoured to have known Steve Jobs. He was the most innovative entrepreneur of our generation. His legacy will live on for the ages.

Dick Costolo, chief executive of Twitter, on Twitter:

“Once in a rare while, somebody comes along who doesn’t just raise the bar, they create an entirely new standard of measurement. #RIPSteveJobs”.

John Riccitiello, chief executive of Electronic Arts:

“Steve was one of a kind. For many of us working in technology and entertainment, Steve was a new kind of hero that led with big, bold moves and would not settle for less than perfection. He is the best role model for a leader that aspires to be great.”

John Lasseter and Ed Catmull, chief creative officer and president Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios:

“Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply ‘make it great’. He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA.”

Jeff Bewkes, chief executive of Time Warner

“The world is a better place because of Steve and the stories our company tells have been made richer by the products he created.

“He was a dynamic and fearless competitor, collaborator and friend. In a society that has seen incredible technological innovation during our lifetimes, Steve may be the one true icon whose legacy will be remembered for a thousand years.