The boss of Apple has publicly announced that he is gay. Until now he has been open about his sexuality but has tried to separate his private life from his status as chief executive of one of the world’s biggest technology firms.

In a statement, Mr Cook said: "While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven't publicly acknowledged it either, until now," he wrote. "So let me be clear: I'm proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.”

He added that he had decided to make the announcement in order to become an example to others, “so if hearing that the CEO [chief executive] of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it's worth the trade-off with my own privacy.”