According to a release from Apple, Inc. today, it appears as though Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, will be taking a medical leave of absence.

However, Steve Jobs will continue to stay on as Apple’s CEO and will still be involved in major decisions during his leave.

Below is what Jobs sent to Apple employees in an e-mail today, which I obtained from the BusinessWire website.

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

The exact reason for Steve Jobs taking this medical leave of absence is not known, but in the past Jobs has had some health problems, including a rare form of Pancreatic Cancer in 2004, which he was able to beat, as well as undergoing a liver-transplant in 2009.

The last time Jobs took time off from the company, Tim Cook took over Jobs’ duties as CEO, which is similar to what is happening in this situation.