Apple’s pill-shaped front camera cutout called “Dynamic Island” has been a topic of conversation ever since it replaced the notch on the iPhone 14 Pro. Even the latest iPhones have a clever hardware and software implementation that’s half ingenious and half concealing a larger cutout that houses the Face ID sensors.
However, according to recent findings from two different sources, the iPhone 18 Pro could feature a thinner Dynamic Island. The first comes from an X account called @earlyappleleaks, who shared an image of what looks like a prototype.
What do the leaks actually show?
When a flashlight is shined on the corner of the display, a small circular hole is visible under the screen, strongly suggesting that Apple is moving the Face ID sensor under the display.
Separately, reputable tipster Ice Universe – who has a solid track record – posted images of alleged iPhone 18 Pro screen protectors. The cutouts in these protectors appear significantly smaller than those in the current models. Similar images of accessories have since appeared on Chinese social media, further confirming the rumor.
Citing the increasing number of leaks, leaker Majin Bu claims that the Dynamic Island shrinks by around 35% compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. This is not a subtle change. In my opinion this is a redesign.
A few days ago, Ice Universe also claimed that the new Dynamic Island design will be available on three iPhone 18 models, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and vanilla iPhone 18. However, the frames could remain unchanged.
The new Dynamic Island could be available on all iPhone 18 models
Given the rumors about Apple’s phased launch strategy, with the iPhone 18 Pro models going on sale in September 2026 (along with the first foldable iPhone) and the iPhone 18 launching in early 2027, the rumor seems even more likely to me.
It’s important to note that not every source or report agrees with the introduction of the new Dynamic Island across the iPhone 18 lineup. In fact, some even disagree with the idea that this change will occur in this upgrade cycle.
