iPhone 18 Pro: Will Dynamic Island remain unchanged after all?

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The iPhone 18 Pro is already one of Apple's most talked-about upcoming smartphones. One detail in particular has been generating conflicting reports for months: the future of the Dynamic Island. Many rumors suggest that Apple might reduce the size of the display notch or replace it with new technology.

However, new information from the supply chain now contradicts this. According to this information, the iPhone 18 Pro could adopt the Dynamic Island architecture in almost unchanged form.

Since its introduction with the iPhone 14 Pro, the Dynamic Island has been an integral part of the iPhone design. It combines the front camera and Face ID sensors with software features for notifications and ongoing activities.

In recent years, there has been ongoing speculation that Apple plans to hide Face ID under the display. This could make the Dynamic Island smaller or eliminate it entirely. It was also widely expected that Apple would take this step with the iPhone 18 Pro.

New information from the supply chain

The well-known leaker Digital Chat Station now reports, citing current information from the supply chain, that Apple may forgo major changes to the display of the iPhone 18 Pro.

According to this report, Face ID and the Dynamic Island will remain largely unchanged. The technology for under-display Face ID and a smaller display notch might instead be implemented in a later iPhone generation.

Furthermore, it is said that Apple could reuse some of the shapes and case designs of its predecessors in the new Pro models.

Conflicting rumors

This information contradicts several earlier reports. Back in January, several well-known sources supported the rumor about a narrower Dynamic Island in the iPhone 18 Pro. These included leakers Instant Digital, ShrimpApplePro, and Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg also reported independently that Apple was planning a smaller version of the Dynamic Island.

This new rumor contradicts several sources previously considered reliable.

Expected hardware upgrades

Even if the design remains largely unchanged, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to receive several technical improvements. Among the most important anticipated innovations are:

A20 Pro chip manufactured using a 2nm process, which is intended to offer more performance and better energy efficiency.
Battery with over 5,000 mAh, which could provide a longer battery life.
Improved camera hardware with a larger aperture, which should offer advantages especially in low light conditions.

This could mean a stronger focus on performance, battery life, and camera.

Apple's long-term plans

Apple is apparently working on a long-term iPhone design without visible display cutouts. The camera and Face ID are expected to disappear completely under the display.

Such a device could potentially appear for the first time with the iPhone's 20th anniversary in 2027.

The iPhone 18 Pro focuses on performance and camera

The iPhone 18 Pro might receive fewer changes to its front design than expected. Current information from the supply chain suggests that the Dynamic Island will remain unchanged for now.

Instead, a new A20 Pro chip, a larger battery, and improved camera technology are expected to be among the most important innovations of the upcoming Pro generation. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are currently expected to be unveiled in fall 2026. (Image: Shutterstock / LittlePigPower)