iPhone 18 Pro Reportedly Set for Redesigned Dynamic Island with Smaller Notch

The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are already generating significant buzz ahead of Apple’s expected September launch event. According to recent reports, Apple is planning a major redesign of the Dynamic Island, potentially making it noticeably smaller than the one found on the current Pro models.

If the leaks are accurate, the Cupertino-based tech giant could introduce meaningful display refinements, improving screen real estate while maintaining Face ID functionality. The iPhone 18 series is widely expected to be unveiled during Apple’s traditional fall event, where its next-generation flagship devices typically debut.

Smaller Dynamic Island Expected on iPhone 18 Pro Models

According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing a revamped Dynamic Island design specifically for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The redesigned cutout is expected to be narrower compared to the one featured on the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

For context, Apple first introduced the Dynamic Island in September 2022 with the launch of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The feature replaced the traditional wide notch seen on earlier models with a centrally positioned pill-shaped cutout. This area houses Face ID sensors and the front-facing camera while also supporting Live Activities for notifications, alerts, and real-time updates such as deliveries, flights, and timers.

While Apple has made incremental refinements to the Dynamic Island over successive generations, those changes have been relatively subtle. However, the iPhone 18 Pro series may mark the most significant reduction yet.

Dynamic Island Size Comparison

Earlier rumors suggest that Apple could reduce the notch width from approximately 20.7mm on the iPhone 17 Pro models to around 13.49mm on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This would represent a size reduction of nearly 35%, offering users more uninterrupted display space.

Bloomberg’s latest claims align with earlier industry speculation, reinforcing the possibility that Apple is making meaningful hardware adjustments to the front display system.

Under-Display Infrared Sensors Could Enable the Change

One of the key technologies rumored to enable this redesign is the integration of under-display infrared sensors. These sensors would potentially allow Apple to relocate certain Face ID components beneath the screen, reducing the need for a large visible cutout.

If implemented successfully, Apple could either significantly shrink the existing pill-shaped notch or partially eliminate it. However, reports indicate that not all Face ID components may move under the display immediately. Instead, the company could adopt a hybrid approach, leaving only a minimal Dynamic Island and the selfie camera visible.

What This Means for Face ID and Display Design

Should Apple embed Face ID technology beneath the display in the iPhone 18 Pro series, it would mark a substantial advancement in biometric hardware integration. The shift would allow for a cleaner, more immersive display while maintaining the security standards that Face ID is known for.

According to industry reports, this design language may extend beyond just one generation. Apple could maintain a similar front-facing layout through 2026 and 2027, gradually refining under-display technology over time.

Quality-of-Life Improvements Expected

Beyond the smaller Dynamic Island, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also expected to feature various quality-of-life enhancements. Although specific details remain limited, Apple typically pairs display refinements with improvements in processing power, camera systems, and battery efficiency.

As anticipation builds toward Apple’s September event, the rumored display redesign stands out as one of the most significant potential upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

Final Thoughts

While Apple has not officially confirmed these changes, multiple reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could debut with a dramatically smaller Dynamic Island. By incorporating under-display infrared sensors, Apple may take another major step toward a seamless, edge-to-edge smartphone display.

If the rumors hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro series could represent one of the most visually refined iPhone designs in recent years, balancing innovation, functionality, and aesthetic minimalism.