Are you excited about the next big Apple launch? The upcoming iPhone 18 series is already making waves. Tech fans are buzzing about major front design changes.
A primary focus is the highly anticipated iPhone 18 dynamic island.
Since its debut, the dynamic island has changed how we use our phones.
Now, new leaks suggest a major redesign is coming in 2026. Rumors state that Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro may get a smaller dynamic island.
This change will offer a cleaner look and more screen space.
In this article, we will explore these exciting design leaks.
We will also cover hardware upgrades and the new Apple Watch SE 3rd generation. Let us dive in!
Short Story on Smaller Dynamic Island on iPhone 18
The Evolution of the Screen Cutout
Remember the days of the wide screen notch?
Apple introduced the notch in 2017 with the iPhone X.
It was a bold move that housed the Face ID sensors.
Over time, the notch slowly shrank. Then,
Apple surprised everyone with a totally new concept.
They turned a hardware necessity into a fun software feature.
This feature was the dynamic island. It officially debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro.
Think of the dynamic island as a magical expanding notification bar.
It morphs to show your music, timers, and alerts. It was a brilliant blend of hardware and software.
But technology never stands still. Users always want more screen real estate.
They want an uninterrupted viewing experience for movies and games.
This is why the iPhone 18 dynamic island is so important.
It represents the next step toward a truly full-screen phone.
For years, Android phones have used tiny hole-punch cameras.
Apple held onto its larger cutout to keep Face ID secure.
But recent tech breakthroughs are changing the game.
Apple is finally ready to shrink the cutout. This means the iPhone 18 dynamic island will look very different.
Why Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro May Get a Smaller Dynamic Island
Tech forums are filled with exciting rumors right now.
The biggest rumor is about the display.
Multiple reliable sources claim Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro may get a smaller dynamic island.
But how is Apple achieving this magic trick?
The secret lies in under-display technology.
Right now, the Face ID system has several visible parts.
It includes a dot projector, an infrared camera, and a flood illuminator.
Apple plans to move the flood illuminator beneath the screen.
This single change drastically reduces the needed cutout space.
Recent leaks from supply chain analysts reveal specific numbers.
The current dynamic island width is about 20.76 mm. The new iPhone 18 dynamic island will reportedly shrink to 13.49 mm.
This is a massive 35 percent reduction in overall size!
Here is what this means for you:
Some early rumors hinted at a top-left hole-punch camera.
Trusted sources confirm the cutout will stay in the center.
The iPhone 18 dynamic island will keep its central, pill-shaped design. It will just be much smaller and far less distracting.
Will the Standard iPhone 18 Get This Upgrade?
It is a common Apple strategy to reserve big changes.
Usually, only the Pro models get the newest display tech first. Therefore, the standard iPhone 18 might keep the older, larger cutout.
If you want the smaller iPhone 18 dynamic island, you should go Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be the real stars.
How the Smaller iPhone 18 Dynamic Island Improves Daily Use
You might wonder why a smaller cutout matters so much.
Imagine watching your favorite movie on your phone. A large black pill blocks part of the action.
A smaller iPhone 18 dynamic island means fewer visual blocks. It blends better into the background.
Furthermore, the software will adapt to this new size. The dynamic island relies heavily on iOS Live Activities.
With a smaller hardware footprint, the software can shine.
The UI can expand smoothly when needed and hide away otherwise.
The new iPhone 18 dynamic island will feel more like magic. It is a perfect example of Apple refining its designs over time.
Other Exciting iPhone 18 Pro Lineup Upgrades
The iPhone 18 dynamic island is not the only big news.
The 2026 Pro models will pack serious hardware upgrades. Let us look at what else is coming to these premium phones.
Performance Boosts with the A20 Pro Chip
Apple is moving to a brand new 2nm manufacturing process. TSMC will build the new A20 Pro chip. This is a big leap from the 3nm chips used previously.
What does a 2nm chip mean for everyday users?
Upgraded Camera with Variable Aperture
Photography lovers will adore the iPhone 18 Pro. The main 48MP camera will feature a variable aperture.
A fixed aperture limits how the camera handles light. A variable aperture changes its opening size like a human eye.
This amazing feature allows for:
The New C2 Modem and Battery Life
Apple is finally ditching third-party modems for its Pro phones.
The iPhone 18 Pro will use Apple’s custom C2 modem. This chip handles your 5G and Wi-Fi connections.
The C2 modem will improve your daily signal strength. It also manages power better, saving even more battery life.
Some leaks suggest it will enhance satellite connectivity too. You could send text messages from completely off-grid locations.
All these new chips require good power. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a 5,200 mAh battery.
This is one of the largest batteries ever put in an iPhone. Paired with the A20 Pro chip, expect multi-day battery life.
The Perfect Companion: Apple Watch SE 3rd Generation
An iPhone is only half of the Apple ecosystem experience. If you plan to buy the new iPhone, you need a watch.
You should consider the Apple Watch SE 3rd generation.
Apple launched this incredible smartwatch recently in September 2025.
It is the perfect budget-friendly partner for your new phone.
The Apple Watch SE 3rd generation brings premium features at lower costs. Here are some top reasons to love it:
Connecting your iPhone 18 Pro to this watch is seamless.
The dynamic island on your phone will sync perfectly.
For instance, start a workout on your Apple Watch SE 3rd generation.
Your iPhone 18 dynamic island will show your live fitness timer. It is a harmonious digital relationship.
Why Apple’s Strategy Works
Apple rarely rushes into new hardware trends. They wait until the technology is practically perfect.
Other phone brands rushed to put cameras under the screen early. Those early under-display cameras took blurry, terrible photos. Apple waited.
They created the dynamic island as a stepping stone. Now, they are carefully refining it.
By proving that Apple’s iPhone 18 pro may get a smaller dynamic island, they show progress. They are keeping Face ID highly secure while shrinking the footprint.
This strategy builds massive customer loyalty. Users know Apple will not sacrifice quality for a quick gimmick.
The iPhone 18 dynamic island will offer the best of both worlds. You get top-tier security and a beautiful, immersive display.
The Future of the Dynamic Island
Will the dynamic island ever disappear completely? Industry experts believe so.
Apple’s ultimate goal is a completely flawless, all-glass front. They want no notches, no pills, and no hole-punches.
Rumors suggest the iPhone 20 might finally achieve this dream.
But until then, the iPhone 18 dynamic island is the best solution.
It minimizes the hardware distraction while keeping the software utility.
It shows that Apple actively listens to user feedback. People wanted a smaller cutout, and Apple is delivering.
Preparing for the 2026 Apple Event
The iPhone 18 series will likely launch in September 2026.
This gives you plenty of time to save your money. Upgrading from an older phone will be a massive jump.
Imagine moving from an iPhone 13 or 14 to the iPhone 18 Pro. The raw speed of the A20 Pro chip will shock you.
The variable aperture camera will completely transform your photos. And the new iPhone 18 dynamic island will feel incredibly futuristic.
Pairing it with an Apple Watch SE 3rd generation completes the package. You will have the ultimate modern tech setup. Start planning your upgrades and trade-ins now!
Our Reader’s Questions
No, it will not be removed entirely. Apple is reducing its size by about 35 percent. A few Face ID sensors will move under the display.
Current leaks suggest that Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro may get a smaller dynamic island. Standard iPhone 18 models might keep the older, larger size.
Yes. The Apple Watch SE 3rd generation features an Always-On Retina display and the fast S10 chip.
Apple typically launches its new flagship iPhones in September. The iPhone 18 series is heavily expected in September 2026.
It is a camera lens that can physically change its opening size. This allows the iPhone 18 Pro to adapt to different lighting perfectly.
Disclaimer
This article is based on current industry leaks, rumors, and supply chain reports available as of February 2026. Apple has not officially confirmed the features of the iPhone 18 series. Final product specifications, designs, and release dates may vary.
Virginia J. Alfonso is a seasoned technology writer with a passion for all things digital. With over a decade of experience covering the latest in tech innovation, gadgets, and software, Virginia brings a unique blend of technical expertise and accessible writing to her work. Her articles focus on making complex tech topics easy to understand for readers of all levels.
