Apple iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max may get a smaller Dynamic Island in 2026, with some Face ID parts moving under display but no complete removal yet.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max may get a smaller Dynamic Island in 2026 [Photo: X]
Apple’s next-generation flagship smartphones are already generating buzz months ahead of their expected 2026 debut. Fresh leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a smaller version of the Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cutout that houses Face ID sensors and the front camera.
Instead of eliminating the cutout, Apple reportedly plans to refine and shrink it. This move signals a gradual design evolution rather than a dramatic shift. If accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro series may represent another step toward Apple’s long-term goal of an uninterrupted, all-screen iPhone.
Reports indicate that Apple will reduce the size of the Dynamic Island on its upcoming Pro models. The company introduced the feature with the iPhone 14 Pro lineup and has continued using it in subsequent generations.
While earlier speculation pointed toward a complete removal of the cutout in favour of a simple hole-punch design, recent updates suggest Apple is taking a more balanced approach. Instead of replacing the Dynamic Island, the company may refine its shape and footprint.
This strategy allows Apple to maintain the familiar interactive functionality of the Dynamic Island while improving the display’s visual symmetry. Users may notice slimmer borders around the cutout, giving the screen a cleaner appearance without sacrificing core features.
Industry insiders and well-known leakers on platforms like Weibo have echoed similar claims about the smaller Dynamic Island. Multiple sources now suggest that Apple will shrink the feature but not remove it entirely.
Interestingly, similar predictions surfaced before the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro. At that time, reports hinted at a reduced cutout, but the final model retained the same design dimensions. This history has made some users cautious about believing early design leaks.
However, the difference this time lies in the volume and consistency of the rumours. As the expected 2026 launch window approaches, reports from various analysts and tipsters appear to align. When separate sources point toward the same design change, it often indicates that Apple may indeed be testing or finalising that modification.
Earlier in 2025, discussions around under-display Face ID technology briefly gained traction. Some reports claimed Apple planned to move all Face ID components under the screen. Whether the company delayed that plan or whether those claims were premature remains unclear.
To reduce the size of the Dynamic Island, Apple may shift certain Face ID components beneath the display panel. Reports suggest that the dot illuminator, a key part of Face ID, could move under the screen.
At the same time, Apple could use improved camera miniaturisation techniques to shrink the front-facing camera module. Smaller hardware components would naturally require less physical space on the display.
Despite these potential changes, Apple is expected to keep essential components such as the infrared camera and dot projector within the visible Dynamic Island area. This approach would ensure that Face ID performance remains accurate and secure.
By moving only select parts under the display, Apple can gradually advance its hardware engineering without compromising reliability. The company traditionally avoids introducing major design shifts unless the technology meets its strict quality standards.
For now, reports suggest that Apple does not plan to remove the Dynamic Island entirely from the iPhone 18 Pro series. Instead, the company appears focused on refinement.
Apple’s long-term ambition reportedly involves creating a fully seamless, all-glass iPhone with no visible cutouts or interruptions. Analysts believe that this vision may become reality with a future anniversary model expected around 2027.
Until then, Apple seems to be taking incremental steps toward that goal. A smaller Dynamic Island would represent progress without risking major performance trade-offs.
If these reports prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could offer a cleaner and more immersive display experience while retaining familiar Face ID functionality.
Users who appreciate the multitasking capabilities of the Dynamic Island will likely welcome a more compact version that feels less intrusive. At the same time, those hoping for a completely notch-free design may need to wait a little longer.
As Apple continues refining its hardware, the iPhone 18 Pro series may focus on subtle design evolution rather than dramatic reinvention. With the 2026 launch still months away, more details are expected to surface in the coming year.
Apple is likely to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026, following its traditional annual launch cycle. The company usually hosts its flagship iPhone event in early to mid-September, with pre-orders opening within a few days and sales beginning later the same month.
If Apple sticks to its usual timeline, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could hit global markets — including the US, Europe and key Asian regions — before the end of September 2026. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the date yet, and final details will emerge closer to launch.
Apple has not announced pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, but early estimates suggest the company may maintain premium positioning similar to previous Pro models.
Industry watchers expect the iPhone 18 Pro to start around $999 (approx. ₹99,900–₹1,09,900 in India), while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could begin at $1,099 (approx. ₹1,19,900–₹1,29,900 in India).
However, component upgrades, inflation, and new display technologies could push prices slightly higher. Apple has steadily increased Pro model prices in some markets, so analysts are watching closely for any adjustment in 2026.
