Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to feature a significantly smaller Dynamic Island, according to a report from Bloomberg published Tuesday. The reduction in size will be achieved by relocating the Face ID dot illuminator to underneath the display, a move that as well requires new camera miniaturization technology.
The shift marks a departure from earlier speculation that Apple might abandon the Dynamic Island altogether in favor of a punchhole camera design, similar to those found on many Android devices. Rumors of a punchhole camera circulated in late January, fueled by translations from Korean and Chinese sources, but were quickly debunked by display analyst Ross Young, who indicated a separation of components within the Dynamic Island was more likely. He stated he had information “for months” confirming this approach.
Whereas the Dynamic Island debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022 as a replacement for the traditional notch, it has remained largely unchanged in size across subsequent generations. The latest reports suggest Apple is committed to retaining the feature, albeit in a more streamlined form. Previous rumors of a smaller Dynamic Island also surfaced during the development of the iPhone 17 Pro, but ultimately did not materialize.
The Bloomberg report, and corroborating posts on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, indicate that the front-facing camera, Face ID dot projector, and infrared camera will continue to be housed within the Dynamic Island, rather than being placed under the display. This configuration necessitates the miniaturization of these components to allow for a smaller overall footprint.
The timing of these reports, with a surge of related rumors in late 2025 and early 2026, aligns with the typical pattern of information leaks preceding a new iPhone launch, increasing the likelihood of their accuracy. Apple has not commented on the reports.
