The first iPod was sold 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.

Along with iTunes and the iTunes online music store, the iPod has transformed the way the world listens, enjoys and manages music with a host of features in every model. "At this historic milestone, we want to thank music lovers everywhere for making iPod such an incredible success," said Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple. "iPod has helped millions of people around the world rekindle their passion for music, and we're thrilled to be a part of that," he said.

Image: Japanese electronics giant Hitachi's subsidiary Hitachi Maxell employee Kazunori Kuroda displays the rugby ball shaped speaker "MXSP-4000.TD" with two speakers on its both ends, iPod dock at the annual AV festa in Yokohama. The unique shaped speaker system, using TimeDomain technology, developed by Japanese researcher Hiroyuki Yoshii, reproduces clear and powerful sound. | Photograph: Yoshikazu Tsuno/Afp/Getty Images