The push toward a true all-screen iPhone appears to be continuing with the iPhone 18 Pro. According to recent reports from display analyst Ross Young and multiple supply-chain sources, Apple is now rumoured to retain the Dynamic Island while reducing its overall size, rather than removing it altogether.
The change is believed to be linked to Apple’s gradual transition toward under-display Face ID technology, marking another step in the long-term evolution of the iPhone’s front design.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Is Rumoured to Have a Smaller Dynamic Island
How Apple Is Reportedly Reducing the Cutout
On current iPhone Pro models, the Dynamic Island accommodates several Face ID components, including the front-facing camera, dot projector, infrared camera, and IR flood illuminator.
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For the iPhone 18 Pro, industry reports suggest Apple may be reworking how these components are integrated into the display. In particular, the IR flood illuminator is believed to be the first Face ID component to move beneath the OLED panel.
If this approach is adopted, only the camera and dot projector would remain visible, allowing Apple to significantly narrow the pill-shaped cutout while maintaining the Dynamic Island’s core functionality.
Under-Display Face ID: A Partial Transition
Despite speculation about a completely hidden Face ID system, the iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to feature fully under-display Face ID.
Instead, current leaks point to a partial implementation, where:
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Certain infrared components move under the display
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Optical elements that require a clear light path remain exposed
This phased approach aligns with Apple’s history of prioritizing reliability and security over rapid visual changes, particularly for biometric systems.
2222222222222222222Hole Punch or Smaller Pill? What Current Leaks Indicate
Some early rumors suggested Apple might experiment with a hole-punch camera design, potentially positioned in the top-left corner of the display. However, more recent supply-chain leaks and analyst commentary paint a different picture.
As of now, 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 a corner hole-punch design
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The existing pill shape is simply rumoured to become narrower
This would allow Apple to refine the display without disrupting the Dynamic Island’s established software behavior and visual identity.
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Current Status of the iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island Rumors
Based on reporting 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 select components, not the full system
As with all pre-release information, final design details will only be known once Apple officially unveils the device.
FAQ
Q: Is the Dynamic Island going away on iPhone 18 Pro?
A: No. Current reports suggest it will remain, but in a smaller form.
Q: Will the iPhone 18 Pro use under-display Face ID?
A: Partially. Leaks indicate some Face ID components, such as the IR flood illuminator, may move under the display.
Q: Will Apple switch to a hole-punch camera design?
A: Recent leaks suggest this is unlikely, with Apple expected to keep a centered pill-shaped cutout.
Q: When is the iPhone 18 Pro expected to launch?
A: Based on Apple’s usual schedule, a September 2026 launch is widely expected.
Final Thoughts
Rather than eliminating the Dynamic Island, Apple appears to be refining it. The iPhone 18 Pro is now widely rumored to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, enabled by changes to Face ID hardware integration and under-display technology.
If these reports prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro would represent another deliberate step toward a cleaner, more immersive front display—while preserving the functionality and user experience Apple has built around the Dynamic Island.
