With the iPhone 18 Pro, evidence is mounting that the front of the device will undergo a visible design change. The focus is once again on the Dynamic Island, which Apple has been using since the iPhone 14 Pro. Several reports suggest that Apple intends to reduce the size of the display notch in the upcoming Pro models. A recent leak now provides the first concrete figures regarding its alleged size.
Rumors surrounding new iPhones are an early part of public discourse. Interest is particularly high for the iPhone 18 Pro because it represents a potential stepping stone towards a completely seamless display. While earlier speculation suggested a complete abandonment of the Dynamic Island design, the latest information paints a more nuanced picture.
Reportedly 35 percent narrower Dynamic Island
According to the well-known leaker Ice Universe, the Dynamic Island display on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be significantly narrower than on the iPhone 17 Pro. Specifically, a reduction of around 35 percent is mentioned.
The cutout is expected to be approximately 13.5 millimeters wide. For comparison, the current Pro models have a cutout width of around 20.7 millimeters. Visually, this would mean the Dynamic Island would occupy less space in the upper display area, even though the basic shape remains the same.
Ice Universe has shared a mockup to illustrate how the new layout might look in everyday use. This is a visual assessment, not official material.
Face ID under the display – but not completely
An earlier report from The Information suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro models could, for the first time, fully integrate Face ID under the display. In this scenario, only a single punch-hole camera in a corner of the screen would have been necessary, instead of the current pill-shaped cutout.
More recent information partially contradicts this assumption. According to this information, only the Face ID flood illuminator will initially be moved under the display in the iPhone 18 Pro. Other components of the Face ID system, as well as the front camera, will still require a visible area on the display surface. For this reason, Apple can apparently only reduce the size of the cutout, but not yet eliminate it completely.
Smaller Dynamic Island likely until at least 2027
Display expert Ross Young believes that this smaller Dynamic Island display will remain in use at Apple for several more years. He estimates that this solution will be in place until at least 2027. An iPhone with a completely seamless display without any notch is therefore unlikely to appear before then.
Ross Young is considered a reliable source when it comes to long-term display roadmaps, which adds further weight to this forecast.
Assessment of the credibility of the leak
Ice Universe has a history of accurately predicting the dimensions and design changes of iPhones, though they haven't always been right. Therefore, their current information is considered plausible but unconfirmed. As with all leaks, there remains a risk of discrepancies before the final version.
Market launch still expected for September
Regardless of the design details, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as usual in September. Only then will it be clear whether the rumored dimensions and technical changes will actually be implemented.
iPhone 18 Pro as an interim step in display design
The iPhone 18 Pro is likely to take an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary step in terms of its display. A significantly narrower Dynamic Island would be a noticeable upgrade, even if a complete elimination of the notch isn't yet achieved. Current leaks paint a picture of a transitional model that continues Apple's long-term display strategy without yet concluding it. (Image: Shutterstock / Karlis Dambrans)
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