Jobs, 53, is famous for his contributions to the worlds of technology, information, communication and entertainment through creations including the Macintosh computer, the iPod and the iPhone. The former top executive of Pixar Animation Studios is also a pancreatic cancer survivor.

Gawker.com reported Bloomberg's mistake and posted on its own Web site the obituary that was accidentally published, complete with the note "HOLD FOR RELEASE -- DO NOT USE," as well as a list of people for Bloomberg reporters to contact for quotes about Jobs's demise.

Gawker.com also published the retraction the news agency posted quickly after erroneously posting the obituary Wednesday.

The retraction Bloomberg editors issued was published under the headline, "Story Referencing Apple Was Sent in Error by Bloomberg News."

It went on to explain: "An incomplete story referencing Apple Inc. was inadvertently published by Bloomberg News at 4:27 p.m. New York time today. The item was never meant for publication and has been retracted."