Apple may be preparing one of the biggest visual tweaks to the iPhone display since the Dynamic Island debuted.
New leaked images circulating online suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could feature a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island, thanks to Apple reportedly moving some Face ID components under the display.
If accurate, the change could make the top of the iPhone screen look cleaner while keeping the Dynamic Island’s interactive functionality intact.
Prototype image shows smaller Dynamic Island
A new image shared on X by the account Early Apple claims to show a prototype of the iPhone 18 Pro.
The photo appears to reveal a much smaller cutout at the top of the display. In the image, another phone’s flashlight is pointed at the screen, exposing what looks like a small circular punch-hole camera cutout, suggesting some of the Face ID hardware may have been moved beneath the display.
If Apple has successfully relocated part of the TrueDepth camera system under the screen, the visible cutout required for the Dynamic Island could shrink considerably.
However, it’s worth noting that the Early Apple account is relatively new and does not yet have a long track record with Apple leaks, so the image should still be treated cautiously.
Screen protector leaks support the rumor
The alleged prototype image isn’t the only piece of evidence.
Well-known leaker Ice Universe also shared images of what appear to be screen protectors designed for the iPhone 18 Pro.
These accessories show dramatically smaller cutouts compared to current models, suggesting the Dynamic Island area may indeed shrink on the next generation of iPhones.
Accessory manufacturers often receive early design specifications so they can prepare products ahead of launch. Because of this, screen protector designs sometimes provide early clues about upcoming device changes.
Similar images have reportedly started appearing across Chinese social media as well, further fueling speculation.
Dynamic Island could shrink by 35%
Another Apple leaker, Majin Bu, claims that the Dynamic Island could shrink by around 35% compared to the design used on the iPhone 17 Pro.
If that estimate is accurate, the visual footprint of the Dynamic Island would become noticeably smaller while still supporting its live activity features.
The change would align with Apple’s long-term goal of gradually moving front-facing sensors under the display.
Most industry observers expect Face ID components to move under the screen first, followed by the front camera in future generations.
Some reports still disagree
Not all sources fully agree on the extent of the redesign.
Some earlier reports suggested Apple might delay under-display Face ID technology due to engineering challenges. However, the growing number of leaks pointing to a smaller Dynamic Island suggests that at least some progress has been made behind the scenes.
According to Ice Universe, the smaller Dynamic Island may not be limited to the Pro models. The entire iPhone 18 lineup could adopt the new design.
Meanwhile, display bezels are expected to remain similar to those found on the iPhone 17 series.
iPhone 18 launch strategy could change
The Apple iPhone launch cycle may also look different next year. Reports suggest Apple is planning a split release strategy:
- Pro models launching in the fall
- Standard iPhone models launching the following spring
Under this approach, the iPhone 18 could arrive several months after the Pro models.
Apple is also expected to unveil its the iPhone Fold around the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
RELATED: How Multitasking Might Work on Apple’s iPhone Fold
Why a smaller Dynamic Island matters
The Dynamic Island was introduced as a creative way to turn the display cutout into an interactive UI element.
Shrinking it would allow Apple to:
- create a more immersive display
- move closer to a full edge-to-edge screen
- gradually transition toward under-display sensors
In other words, it’s another step toward Apple’s long-term vision of an iPhone with no visible cutouts at all.
What to expect next
As always with early leaks, it’s best to treat these images cautiously until more sources confirm the details.
Still, the combination of prototype images, screen protector leaks, and multiple leakers pointing to the same change suggests the smaller Dynamic Island rumor may have real momentum.
If the reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could deliver one of the most noticeable display refinements in several years.
