The original iPhone's design was centered on a 3.5 inches (89 mm) glass multi-touch touchscreen display. The original iPhone introduced five physical buttons that have remained consistent over newer generations of iPhone. The device featured a chrome plated metal frame. The back of which was made of brushed aluminum with a black plastic base, required because metal shields cellular and Wi-Fi signals. The camera was located in the upper-left corner of the iPhone's rear. The headphone socket was recessed into the casing, making it incompatible with most headsets without the use of an adapter. Other models do not have this issue.[29]

The original iPhone is the only iPhone model not to be available in multiple colors; all models since the original have been available in either black or white, with the exception of the iPhone 4.


The combined metal and plastic rear is unique to the original iPhone.