Apple’s next flagship phone, the iPhone 18 Pro, is shaping up as a refinement of the current design rather than a radical redesign. One of the most discussed changes involves the Dynamic Island at the top of the display. Earlier speculation suggested that the company might remove the Dynamic Island or switch to a hole-punch camera. Recent information makes that less likely.
Reports from trusted industry leakers now point to a smaller Dynamic Island instead of removing it. The change comes as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the visible screen cutout while keeping core front-facing sensors functional. The cutout will not vanish, but it will look different from current iPhone designs.
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So far, the evidence suggests that Apple’s approach is to refine what already works. The company seems focused on improving screen space and aesthetics without disrupting how iPhone users have come to expect Live Activities and other Dynamic Island functions to behave.
Expected Change in Size
Latest numbers from credible tech sources report a significant reduction in the width of the Dynamic Island.
- Current Dynamic Island width on iPhone 17 Pro models: around 20.7mm.
- Rumoured width on iPhone 18 Pro: around 13.5mm.
- This represents about a 35 percent reduction in size.
This smaller cutout could give the display a cleaner look. Users may see a more usable screen area at the top. Apple may also benefit by moving some Face ID components under the display. However, that technology is not expected to be fully ready yet.
How Rumours Evolved
Earlier this year, some reports suggested a hole-punch camera or a full removal of the Dynamic Island. Those claims appear to be translation errors from Asian sources that were misinterpreted by English-language outlets. The rumours stemmed from talks about Face ID sensors being shifted under the screen, but that does not directly mean the island disappears. Insight from supply chain leaks now shows the Dynamic Island will stay, smaller but functional.
Display analyst Ross Young has also given weight to the smaller island report. His background in screen panels adds credibility to the idea that Apple will keep a familiar front layout with updated dimensions.
If the Dynamic Island is smaller, users will still see the same core features they rely on every day.
- Notifications and alerts around the island.
- Live Activity updates.
- Controls for music and calls.
- Face ID performance is similar to existing models.
The look should feel familiar but less intrusive. Apple appears to prefer gradual refinement over sudden disruption in design.
This report focuses on the most credible recent information. The key point is that the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to remain, but become significantly smaller, based on reliable industry leaks.
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