Insider Ice Universe published a short message stating that in addition to all the iPhone 18 changes we’ve already covered, there will be one more. It is that the iPhone 18 lineup will feature a smaller Dynamic Island, while the screen bezels will remain the same as on iPhone 17. It sounds like a long-awaited design update — but this leak should be taken with caution.
How the Design of iPhone 18, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max Will Change
What the New Leak Reveals About iPhone 18 Design
Chinese insider Ice Universe posted a short note on Weibo claiming that the iPhone 18 series will retain the screen bezels from iPhone 17, but the Dynamic Island — the cutout at the top of the screen for the camera and Face ID — will become more compact.
No details about specific dimensions, shape, or the technology that would allow shrinking the cutout were included in the leak. It’s literally two sentences without any specifics.
Which iPhone 18 Models Will Get the Updated Dynamic Island
The wording of the leak — “iPhone 18 series” — allows for a dual interpretation. It could mean all models in the lineup or just select ones. The source is written in Chinese, and the translation doesn’t provide a definitive answer.
Important context: the same Ice Universe previously claimed in February that only the iPhone 18 Pro would receive the smaller Dynamic Island. This aligns more closely with Apple’s typical strategy — first testing a notable change on the higher-end models and then rolling it out to the entire lineup.
Additionally, the expected foldable iPhone (iPhone Fold), according to previous rumors, might do away with Face ID entirely due to limited space in its thin body. So even if the Dynamic Island is reduced across all standard iPhone 18 models, the foldable version could be an exception.
Why Apple Still Hasn’t Removed the Dynamic Island From iPhone
It has been almost nine years since the notch first appeared on iPhone X in 2017. Throughout this time, rumors have persisted that Apple is working on a fully bezel-less screen with no visible cutouts. Technically, this would require hiding the camera and Face ID system under the display.
So far, Apple has taken a different approach: with iPhone 14 Pro, the notch was transformed into the Dynamic Island — an interactive area that displays notifications, timers, and app statuses. It’s a great example of turning a drawback into a feature, but the mere presence of a “hole” in the screen still annoys some users.
Comparison of the current and rumored smaller Dynamic Island
Shrinking the Dynamic Island is an intermediate step. Apple, it seems, is not yet ready to eliminate it entirely.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Design — What to Expect
The leak says nothing specifically about the Pro Max. But if the smaller Dynamic Island appears in iPhone 18 Pro, it’s logical to assume that iPhone 18 Pro Max will get the same treatment — Apple traditionally gives both Pro models identical screen design changes.
The screen bezels, according to the insider, will remain at iPhone 17 levels — meaning thin, but without any additional narrowing. For most users, this means that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will differ from its predecessor primarily in the Dynamic Island area.
Expected look of iPhone 18 Pro Max with a smaller Dynamic Island
Should You Wait for iPhone 18 or Buy iPhone 17
If you’re currently deciding whether to buy an iPhone 17 or wait for iPhone 18, a smaller Dynamic Island alone is a weak argument for waiting. It’s a cosmetic change that doesn’t affect functionality: the Dynamic Island will continue to work the same way, just taking up slightly less screen space.
It’s a different story if you’re using an iPhone 15 or older. By the iPhone 18 release date in fall 2026 (or spring 2027), there will be enough other improvements — in camera, processor, battery life — to justify the upgrade. A smaller Dynamic Island in that case would be a nice bonus, but certainly not the main reason to buy.
For now, this is a rumor, albeit one backed by several independent sources. We’ll see the full picture closer to fall, when leaks become more specific — with photos and dimensions.
