Apple today announced that the 100 millionth iPod has been sold, making the iPod the fastest selling music player in history.

Apple sold the first iPod five and a half years ago, in November 2001, and since then Apple has introduced more than 10 new iPod models, including five generations of iPod, two generations of iPod mini, two generations of iPod nano and two generations of iPod shuffle.

“At this historic milestone, we want to thank music lovers everywhere for making iPod such an incredible success,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPod has helped millions of people around the world rekindle their passion for music, and we’re thrilled to be a part of that.”

The iPod has also an ecosystem of over 4,000 accessories made specifically for the iPod. More than 70% of 2007-model US automobiles currently offer iPod connectivity.

The iPod is the success story for Apple. Apple was able to introduce a new simplicity to the portable devices market that was not available. Users world-wide fell in love with the easy-to-use and stylish iPod. Now Apple set their eyes onto the mobile phone market with their iPhone. We all have high expectations that Apple will once again revolutionize a gadget category.

More details in this press-release on the Apple site.