Apple has always believed that small visual changes can create big user experiences. With every new iPhone generation, the company rarely reinvents the wheel overnight. Instead, it refines, reduces, and perfects. The latest leak surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max fits perfectly into this philosophy.
According to a fresh leak from well-known tipster Ice Universe, Apple is preparing a noticeable display upgrade for its 2026 Pro iPhones—specifically a much smaller Dynamic Island cutout. While it may sound like a minor tweak at first glance, the numbers tell a different story. The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro models is said to shrink by around 35%, potentially marking a major step toward Apple’s long-term vision of a truly uninterrupted display.
This leak not only gives us exact measurements but also strengthens rumors about under-display Face ID, LTPO+ OLED panels, and upgraded selfie cameras across the entire iPhone 18 lineup. Together, these changes suggest that Apple is quietly preparing one of its most refined display generations yet.
Smaller Dynamic Island: Exact Dimensions Revealed
The most eye-catching part of the leak is the precise size of the new cut-out.
According to Ice Universe:
- iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max Dynamic Island width: 13.49mm
- Current iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max cut out width: 20.76mm
This reduction translates to roughly 35% smaller than the existing Dynamic Island. That’s not just a cosmetic improvement—it’s a significant reclaiming of usable screen space.
Apple introduced the Dynamic Island as a functional alternative to the traditional notch, blending hardware with software animations. Over time, it became an iconic part of the iPhone experience. However, Apple has never hidden the fact that it sees the Dynamic Island as a temporary solution, not the final destination.
A smaller cutout suggests that Apple is actively reducing its dependency on visible front-facing sensors, inching closer to a seamless, all-screen design.
Under-Display Face ID: The Long-Awaited Transition
One of the strongest rumors tied to this leak is Apple’s potential move to under-display Face ID hardware on the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Apple has reportedly been working on this technology for years, but implementing Face ID beneath the display is far more complex than hiding a fingerprint sensor. Face ID relies on:
- Infrared cameras
- Dot projectors
- Flood illuminators
All of these components need to function flawlessly in varying lighting conditions, something Apple will not compromise on.
The reduced Dynamic Island size strongly suggests that some Face ID components may finally move under the display, leaving only essential camera hardware visible. This hybrid approach would allow Apple to:
- Maintain Face ID accuracy
- Reduce visible cut-outs
- Prepare for a fully hidden system in future generations
If true, the iPhone 18 Pro could represent Apple’s most important Face ID evolution since its debut.
LTPO+ OLED Displays: Smarter, Brighter, More Efficient
Another major upgrade rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models is the adoption of LTPO+ OLED display technology.
LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) already powers Promotion on current iPhones, allowing refresh rates to dynamically scale from 1Hz to 120Hz. The “plus” version reportedly brings:
- Faster response times
- Better power efficiency
- Improved brightness control
- Smoother adaptive refresh behaviour
In real-world usage, LTPO+ OLED displays could result in:
- Longer battery life during Always-On Display usage
- Smoother scrolling and animations
- Better visibility in bright outdoor conditions
- Reduced power drain during static content viewing
Combined with the smaller Dynamic Island, this display upgrade would make the iPhone 18 Pro feel cleaner, more immersive, and more premium than ever before.
A More Immersive Viewing Experience
Shrinking the Dynamic Island isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts how users interact with their phones daily.
A smaller cut out means:
- More uninterrupted video playback
- Cleaner gaming visuals
- Better reading and browsing experience
- Less visual distraction at the top of the screen
Apple’s design team is known for obsessing over visual balance, and a reduced cutout helps align the iPhone closer to Apple’s long-standing design goals: content first, hardware second.
This also benefits developers, who will gain slightly more freedom when designing apps and UI elements around the top of the screen.
Upgraded Selfie Cameras Across the Entire iPhone 18 Lineup
Beyond the Pro models, leaks suggest that all iPhone 18 variants will receive upgraded front-facing cameras.
While exact specifications haven’t surfaced yet, expectations include:
- Improved low-light performance
- Sharper video calls
- Better HDR for selfies
- Enhanced computational photography
With social media, video calls, and content creation playing a bigger role than ever, Apple appears ready to give the selfie camera the attention it deserves—finally making it feel less like an afterthought.
For creators, students, and professionals, this upgrade could be one of the most practical improvements in the iPhone 18 generation.
Apple’s Long-Term Vision: The Path to a True Full-Screen iPhone
When viewed in isolation, a smaller Dynamic Island might seem like a modest change. But in context, it’s part of Apple’s multi-year roadmap toward a completely uninterrupted display.
The likely progression looks something like this:
1. Smaller Dynamic Island (iPhone 18 Pro)
2. Partial under-display Face ID
3. Under-display selfie camera
4. Fully invisible front hardware
Apple doesn’t rush these transitions. It perfects them first—and the iPhone 18 Pro appears to be a key stepping stone in that journey.
How This Compares to Android Flagships
Android manufacturers have already experimented with:
- Under-display cameras
- Punch-hole cut outs
- Full-screen designs
However, many of these solutions still suffer from compromised image quality or inconsistent performance. Apple’s advantage lies in its patience. When Apple finally adopts a technology, it tends to work exceptionally well, even if it arrives later.
If Apple successfully implements under-display Face ID without sacrificing reliability, it could set a new industry benchmark—once again redefining expectations rather than chasing trends.
Expected Launch Timeline and Availability
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch later this year, following Apple’s traditional September release window.
As with all leaks, final designs may still change before the official unveiling. However, Ice Universe has a solid track record when it comes to display-related leaks, making this information particularly credible.
More concrete details are likely to surface in the coming months as Apple moves closer to mass production.
Small Changes, Big Impact
The leaked Dynamic Island dimensions may seem like a minor tweak on paper, but they represent something far bigger—a clear signal of Apple’s future direction.
With:
- A 35% smaller Dynamic Island
- Possible under-display Face ID
- LTPO+ OLED displays
- Upgraded selfie cameras across all models
…the iPhone 18 Pro series is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most refined and forward-looking upgrades in years.
Apple isn’t trying to shock users with radical redesigns. Instead, it’s carefully sculpting the iPhone into a device where hardware fades into the background, letting the experience take center stage.
If these leaks hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro won’t just look better—it will feel more immersive, more intelligent, and more future-ready than ever before.
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What do you think about a smaller Dynamic Island?
Is Apple moving in the right direction, or should it eliminate cutouts entirely?
Let us know—and stay tuned for more updates.