iPhone 18 Pro to Feature a Smaller Dynamic Island, Not Its Disappearance

Apple’s design evolution continues, but not quite in the way some earlier rumors suggested. According to recent reports, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to introduce a smaller Dynamic Island rather than eliminating it altogether.

For months, speculation swirled around the possibility of Apple replacing the Dynamic Island with a hole-punch camera and fully under-display Face ID. The latest information, however, suggests that the familiar feature is staying, just in a more refined form.

Dynamic Island Is Staying, But Shrinking

Multiple sources, including well-known industry insiders, now agree that Apple plans to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

This would mark a subtle but meaningful design refinement. The Dynamic Island, first introduced as a replacement for the notch, houses several essential components, including:

• Front-facing camera

• Face ID dot projector

• Infrared camera

Instead of removing the feature, Apple is reportedly focusing on internal miniaturization to make it less intrusive.

How Apple May Reduce Its Size

To achieve a smaller Dynamic Island, Apple is rumored to move the Face ID dot illuminator beneath the display. In addition, advancements in camera miniaturization technology could help reduce the footprint of the front-facing camera system.

While the dot illuminator may shift under the screen, other Face ID components and the selfie camera are expected to remain within the Dynamic Island area for now.

This approach allows Apple to refine the design without sacrificing functionality or rushing into fully hidden camera technology before it is ready.

Why Not Remove It Completely?

Earlier rumors suggested Apple was preparing to eliminate the Dynamic Island entirely in favor of an uninterrupted display. While that may still be part of the long-term vision, it likely will not happen with the iPhone 18 Pro models launching in fall 2026.

Reports indicate Apple eventually wants to create a true all-glass slab with no visible cutouts. Some speculate that this could coincide with a special anniversary iPhone in 2027.

For now, the iPhone 18 Pro appears to represent a transitional step rather than a radical redesign.

A Gradual Design Evolution

Apple tends to refine hardware gradually rather than introduce dramatic shifts overnight. The rumored reduction in Dynamic Island size reflects that philosophy. Instead of reinventing the front display, Apple is optimizing it piece by piece.

If the rumors hold true, users will benefit from a cleaner display while retaining the interactive elements that make the Dynamic Island useful for notifications, live activities, and background tasks.

Upgrading Your iPhone? Make Data Migration Easy

Whenever a new iPhone generation arrives, many users start planning their upgrade. Moving to a new device should feel seamless, not stressful.

While iOS provides built-in migration tools, some users look for additional flexibility, especially when switching platforms. Smart Transfer, a third-party data solution, helps simplify device migration. Whether you are upgrading within Apple’s ecosystem or moving from Android and need to clone android device content, Smart Transfer supports secure and efficient data movement. I was able to clone my phone data with ease. 

If you want to clone phone data, including photos, videos, and contacts, the app offers a straightforward setup process that reduces downtime. A refined new display deserves a smooth first start with all your data ready to go.

The Bigger Picture

The iPhone 18 Pro may not deliver a fully invisible front camera system yet, but a smaller Dynamic Island suggests Apple is steadily moving toward that future.

Design evolution rarely happens all at once. Instead, it unfolds step by step. With the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, Apple seems to be taking another calculated step toward the seamless glass design it ultimately envisions.