1) The new plastic back wasn't chosen just because the designers liked the material, it's a functional necessity. Inside the handset are 10 radio transmitters and receivers, serving up mobile connections, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. The plastic allows signals to pass in and out easily, giving a great connection, and super-fast GPS locks.

2) The iPhone isn't all Apple's work. The processor doing all the work is made by Samsung. They also provide the unit's application processor and memory.

3) Apple have redesigned the all-in-one screen cover that was the domain of the 2G iPhone. Beforehand, replacing a cracked shell was expensive, as the screen would need replacing too. Apple's has now separated the two components, so if one part gets broken, fixing it is quick and easy.

4) The aluminium poking stick found in its packaging helps open the unit's SIM tray. But that's not the interesting part - Apple carves each one from a sheet of metal using laser etching, so it's a perfect fit every time.

5) Apple continues to play on its eco-friendly image by engineering a "green" box. The American version was engineered so that, when the two halves are put together, the top section will descend in precisely six seconds.