Apple Chief Steve Jobs Had Liver Transplant

AP Apple CEO Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the chief executive of Apple, received a liver transplant about two months ago
in Tennessee but is expected to return to work later this month.

Two sources confirmed to CNBC that Jobs had the surgery and another confirmed that his plane flew from San Jose to Memphis in late March.

The news of Jobs' transplant was originally reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Apple said it still expects Jobs to return to work at the end of June, as planned, but wouldn't confirm that he had a liver transplant.

Jobs, a pancreatic cancer survivor, stepped away from managing day-to-day operations for the consumer-electronics giant about six months ago, citing unspecified health issues.

He may return to work part-time at first, the Wall Street Journal said, quoting an unnamed source. The source said Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook may continue to manage daily operations of the company when Jobs first returns.

Some Apple directors knew about the surgery, which occurred in Tennessee, and were briefed weekly by Jobs' doctor, the Journal report said.

Apple now will face tremendous pressure to keep its shareholders, employees and the public updated on Jobs' health when he does return to the company.

Jobs may prepare another personal statement offering a few more details of his treatment and recovery upon his return, similar to the ones he issued shortly before taking his leave from Apple in January, one source suggested.

Apple's stock had tanked in January, falling as low as $78.20, when Jobs said he had a hormone imbalance and the company announced that its founder would be taking a six-month medical leave. It has since made a choppy comeback as concerns about his health persist.

Apple shares rose 2.7 percent Friday, ending at $139.48, as the company's new iPhone 3GS hit store shelves. Read David Pogue's review and check out Jim Goldman's coverage in Tech Check.

— With reporting by Maria Bartiromo and Jim Goldman

© 2009 CNBC