Next year’s regular iPhone 18 will reportedly feature a smaller Dynamic Island, matching a design upgrade initially expected only for the high-end Pro models. A new leak from a reliable tipster suggests the entire lineup will adopt this reduced cutout. However, the black borders surrounding the display will remain completely unchanged, carrying over the same bezel thickness from the previous generation.
Apple could offer a smaller Dynamic Island on all iPhone 18 models
Previous reports indicated that Apple planned to shrink the Dynamic Island exclusively on its premium iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max devices. Now, information shared by known leaker Ice Universe points to a broader rollout. According to the tip, the standard iPhone 18 will also benefit from the updated screen cutout. This hardware shift means the notification area will take up noticeably less space at the top of the display.
Despite the smaller island, the leaker claims the phone will not see a reduction in its display bezels. The black borders edging the screen will stay completely identical to those found on the iPhone 17 series. This makes sense, as rumors about thinner bezels for the upcoming cycle have been virtually nonexistent.
The brand may follow a new release schedule strategy
If this rumor holds true, it represents a slight change in how the company normally distributes its hardware features. Historically, major design updates appear first on the most expensive phones before trickling down to the standard models a year or two later.
This shift might tie directly into a newly rumored release calendar. Industry reports suggest Apple is preparing a split launch cycle for its next smartphone generation. The premium iPhone 18 Pro variants and a potential iPhone Air 2 are expected to launch in the fall. Meanwhile, the base iPhone 18 will reportedly not arrive until early 2027.
Releasing the standard model several months after the Pro lineup might explain why it receives the same screen upgrades so quickly.
