The push for a truly all-screen iPhone appears to be continuing with the iPhone 18 Pro. According to recent reports from display analyst Ross Young and several supply chain sources, Apple is now rumored to retain the Dynamic Island while shrinking its overall size, rather than eliminating it entirely.
The change is believed to be linked to Apple’s gradual transition to under-display Face ID technology, marking another step in the iPhone’s long-term front-design evolution.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to have a smaller Dynamic Island
How Apple is rumored to shrink the cutout
On current iPhone Pro models, the Dynamic Island houses several Face ID components, including the front camera, dot projector, infrared camera, and IR flood illuminator.
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For the iPhone 18 Pro, industry reports suggest that Apple may re-engineer how these components are integrated into the display. Specifically, the IR flood illuminator is believed to be the first Face ID component to be placed under the OLED panel.
Should this approach be adopted, only the camera and dot projector would remain visible, allowing Apple to significantly narrow the pill-shaped cutout, while still retaining the core functionality of the Dynamic Island.
Under-display Face ID: A Partial Transition
Despite speculation about a fully hidden Face ID system, the iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to feature a complete under-display Face ID.
Instead, current leaks point to a partial implementation, where:
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Some infrared components move under the display
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Optical elements requiring a clear light path remain exposed
This gradual approach aligns with Apple's tradition of prioritizing reliability and security over rapid visual changes, particularly for biometric systems.
2222222222222222222Punch-hole or Smaller Pill? What Current Leaks Indicate
Some initial rumors suggested that Apple might experiment with a punch-hole camera design, potentially located in the upper-left corner of the display. However, recent supply chain leaks and analyst commentary paint a different picture.
Currently, the prevailing view is that:
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The Dynamic Island is expected to remain centered
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Apple is unlikely to adopt an angled punch-hole design
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The current pill shape is simply rumored to become narrower
This would allow Apple to refine the display without disrupting the established software behavior and visual identity of the Dynamic Island.
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Current Status of iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island Rumors
As of January 2026:
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The Dynamic Island is expected to remain part of the iPhone 18 Pro design
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A smaller, less intrusive cutout is widely rumored
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Under-display Face ID is believed to begin with selected components, not the entire system
As with all pre-release information, definitive design details will only be known when Apple officially unveils the device.
FAQs
Q: Will the Dynamic Island disappear from the iPhone 18 Pro?
A: No. The latest rumors suggest it will remain, but in a smaller iteration.
Q: Will the iPhone 18 Pro feature under-display Face ID?
A: Partially. Leaks indicate some Face ID components, like the IR flood illuminator, may move under the display.
Q: Is Apple moving to a punch-hole camera design?
A: Recent rumors suggest this is unlikely, with Apple expected to retain a centered, pill-shaped cutout.
Q: When is the iPhone 18 Pro expected to launch?
A: Based on Apple's usual schedule, it is widely expected to launch in September 2026.
Final Thoughts
Instead of eliminating the Dynamic Island, Apple appears intent on refining it. The iPhone 18 Pro is now rumored to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, made possible by changes in Face ID hardware integration and under-display technology.
Should these reports prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro would represent another step towards a cleaner, more immersive front display, while still preserving the functionality and user experience Apple has built around the Dynamic Island.
