Along with Steve Jobs' open letter to the Apple Community, the company's board of directors has issued its own stance, in writing. It doesn't add anything to Jobs' outburst (so to speak), in terms of divulging any successor plans.

“It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world,” the statement signed “Apple’s Board of Directors” begins.

Trying to sound as sincere as they can, Apple's directors explain that, “As we have said before, if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple’s CEO, you will know it.”

Some may wonder why Apple's board of directors is suddenly speaking of the possibility of losing its iconic CEO. Well, in his open letter to the Mac fan-base, Jobs revealed that his doctors “think they have found the cause [for his weight loss] - a hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy," Jobs declared. “Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis,” the letter reads.

Of course, Apple may choose to tell the community that Steve Jobs is leaving his post just a week or two before the actual departure takes place. Nevertheless, the company may escape any fire from the press, should the company notify investors in due time.

“Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation,” the Board of Directors continues to stress. “He most certainly has that from Apple and its Board,” the statement ends.

Don't forget to read Steve Jobs' open letter to the Apple Community, as well. Apparently, Apple's CEO was faced with admitting something he'd have rather not. However, speculation that Jobs was dying continued to expand ever since the Macworld 2009 announcement, prompting the company to take steps in appeasing the community and company watchers alike.