Apr 1, 2011 13:19 GMT  ·  By

A source claims to be ‘hearing’ rumors that Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve Jobs is planning to submit his resignation. The Apple chief has been on medical leave of absence since January.

The source in question says there’s “chatter” on the subject and that a local TV news channel has been asking questions, but nothing seems to corroborate claims that CEO Steve Jobs is on the verge of resigning from Apple.

There is reason to believe this is nothing more than an April Fools’ day gag, but there is, indeed, widespread belief that Jobs’ ongoing health issues are making it difficult for the man to continue as CEO.

Also noteworthy, today, April 1, 2011 marks precisely 35 years since Jobs and his good friend Wozniak co-founded Apple (then Apple Computer).

Jobs sent a letter to Apple employees in January, announcing his second medical leave in just as many years.

Made public on the Apple.com press room, the letter said:

Team,

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve

Again, it is likely that Jobs’ rumored resignation is nothing more than someone’s idea of an April Fools’ joke, but you can always count on the media to promptly report on such rumors, given the huge public interest in Apple’s iconic CEO.