If you've been keeping up with the latest iPhone 18 Pro reports, you may have noticed a fascinating debate brewing among credible sources regarding Apple's integration of Face ID technology into the device's display. This discussion is particularly significant as it directly impacts the fate of the Dynamic Island feature, and consequently, the overall aesthetic of the iPhone 18 Pro's display.
In a recent report by Wayne Ma from The Information, it was suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a minimalistic design with only a small hole cutout located in the top-left corner for the front-facing camera. This design choice raises questions about whether Apple will continue to showcase the familiar pill-shaped interface, known as the Dynamic Island, in its upcoming iOS 27 software. Ma's wording implies that these new devices may not incorporate the Dynamic Island at all.
To visualize this potential design, developer Filip Vabroušek has created a concept render of the iPhone 18 Pro featuring the aforementioned top-left cutout. This concept serves as a reference point for enthusiasts eager to see what the future of the iPhone might hold, despite the iOS version displayed being outdated.
While Ma's report paints a picture of a more simplified design, Counterpoint Research's VP Ross Young has introduced an intriguing counterpoint. Young contends that the iPhone 18 Pro will still include visible elements of Face ID. He believes this means the devices will retain a Dynamic Island, albeit in a more compact form than what we've seen on previous models from the iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 16.
To further illustrate this possibility, Vabroušek has once again provided a concept render, this time depicting the iPhone 18 Pro with a smaller version of the Dynamic Island. This alternative design is gaining traction, supported by insights from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has also mentioned that Apple plans to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island on at least some models set to launch next year.
The existence of these two diverging interpretations of the iPhone 18 Pro's display has significant implications for anyone considering an upgrade in the coming year. Given that a substantial amount of our daily lives revolves around smartphone screens, the design choice—whether it leans towards a simple cutout or a smaller Dynamic Island—is a major consideration for consumers.
Looking ahead, the anticipation surrounding the 20th anniversary iPhone, expected in 2027, has also stirred speculation. Young's recent roadmap challenges earlier claims from industry insiders like Gurman, stating that the first iPhone boasting a truly uninterrupted display—free of any cutouts—may not arrive until 2030. This suggests that the dream of a fully all-screen iPhone is still years away, leaving enthusiasts and consumers alike eagerly awaiting future developments.
In summary, the debate between a smaller Dynamic Island and a simple cutout for the iPhone 18 Pro continues, with insights from multiple sources shaping the conversation. As we approach the release date, it's clear that the design of the iPhone 18 Pro will play a crucial role in the overall user experience.
