How the iPhone 14 Pro's New 'Dynamic Island' Works

[Tagbert]

…
I'm keen to see how Netflix or other apps will look when choosing to "shrink" the image so it is not impeded by the pill shape. Presumably the video playback area will be smaller than it is now, given the pill shape seems to be lower than where the previous notch ended.….

Netflix and others will probably work pretty much like they do now with the notch. There is a “safe area” under the notch and apps draw their content in that area by default. They can chose to expect their content into the notch area if they are prepared to deal with the presence of it. The island will certainly be treated the same with default content in the safe area. Currently Netflix and most photo or video apps display their images in the safe area and the system fill in the notch area with black. You have to choose to zoom in to get them to extend the image into the notch area.

It is true that the dynamic island sits a little lower from the top edge of the screen, but Apple also increased the height of the screens by about the same amount so the effect is the same amount of space in the safe area below the island as below the notch.

 

[alexonline]

Hi Tagbert,

Well, that's good news, a friend was asking me whether the safe space would be slightly smaller or not, and I didn't know.

However, if the safe space ends up being the same, well then nothing is lost.

Cheers

Alex

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Sad to hear you will never buy a future iPhone model that has the feature, and that you will be stuck with a constant peninsula or even an iPhone SE forever. Sad.

Not gonna be on those either. I’m planning on moving to Android in a couple years

 

[alexonline]

Not gonna be on those either. I’m planning on moving to Android in a couple years

Ah, sad to hear you will be downgrading. That's life, I guess. We are all free to make our own choices!

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

Ah, yes, I see what you mean now. Apologies. Well, it will be there, unless you're looking at a black screen.

In a few generations we'll have pixels that can emit light and capture it too, though some kind of technological advance that is currently beyond us, and before then, under screen displays, but for now, this is the compromise.

If only we could have had a small bezel at the top to accomodate the 30% smaller Face ID and camera, we really would have had an uninterrupted display, and we still could have had the island interface.

I'm keen to see how Netflix or other apps will look when choosing to "shrink" the image so it is not impeded by the pill shape. Presumably the video playback area will be smaller than it is now, given the pill shape seems to be lower than where the previous notch ended.

It does help to "hide" the cutout by making it a place that has other information, so it is more than just a cut out.

I mean if you need a cutout there, then it's worth doing something interesting with it, rather than just ignoring it.

I remember when some Android makers started with the punch hole cameras, Samsung or others let you have circles of colour around the punch hole to notify you of this or that, or to notify that you had successful unlocked the screen.

I don't think it ever really took off, though, and I don't think Samsung or other Android phone developers had the foresight to think of a dynamic island-style scenario.

No doubt they'll be all over it now and Android 14 and Color OS and One UI 5.0 and whatnot will suddenly discover a treasure island in their futures, too.

But yes, the cutout is still a cut out. Hopefully cutouts are well and truly eliminated by 2030, if not earlier.

I agree that it’s a pretty creative use of the space, to make it almost disappear of sorts.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Ah, sad to hear you will be downgrading. That's life, I guess. We are all free to make our own choices!

Phone warrers like you is one of the reasons I want to get an Android in the first place. I want sideloading and USB-C and my headphone jack back, as well as RCS messaging since all my co-workers use Android. But when I said I want all this for iPhone, y’all (and even Tim Cook and the other Apple execs) say “buy an Android.” Well, here I go planning to get one like y’all said, and now suddenly it’s “downgrading.”

 

[alexonline]

Phone warrers like you is one of the reasons I want to get an Android in the first place. I want sideloading and USB-C and my headphone jack back, as well as RCS messaging since all my co-workers use Android. But when I said I want all this for iPhone, y’all (and even Tim Cook and the other Apple execs) say “buy an Android.” Well, here I go planning to get one like y’all said, and now suddenly it’s “downgrading.”

Yes, if you don't want the stability and security of iOS, and prefer the malware-laden Android App Store, it's downgrading.

If you are getting an Android because you can't wait for USB-C next year, it's downgrading.

If you want a slower processor, even if it is the very latest from Qualcomm or Samsung or whoever, it's downgrading.

If you want to be on an older Android version, unless you get a Pixel, it's downgrading.

There are lots of reasons why going from an iPhone to an Android is downgrading, but if that's what you want to do, it's a mostly free world, go for it. I'm not stopping you. I'll just point out it will be a downgrade, that's all.

Good luck with Android. It needs people like you to give Android a go, to see what the dark side is like, to live in the belief that the grass really is greener on the other side.

People need to be free to make their own mistakes. Go for it! It's a part of life. You'll get the experience that will naturally follow and you'll be able to tell us, after a year or two, what it's really like, and whether it was a downgrade like I am suggesting, or whether you found it to be an upgrade.

Anything is possible!

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

If you are getting an Android because you can't wait for USB-C next year, it's downgrading.

Bro what? Lightning is USB 2.0 speeds. USB-C is 3.0.

 

[alexonline]

Bro what? Lightning is USB 2.0 speeds. USB-C is 3.0.

Bro what? Apple even sells a USB 3.0 Lightning adapter, I have one.

Wireless faster anyway, why you still hung up on pesky wires, you must like the retro lifestyle?

I back up everything to iCloud. Oh, I have iMazing too, but rarely need to use it.

The only reason I use a cable is for 20+watt charging, otherwise I use MagSafe, too, even Qi charging.

I don’t know anyone that uses a cable on iPhone very often for data.

I mean, I do occasionally transfer some photos via Inage Capture, and you’re right, it could be USB 3.0 there.

But even Lightning on iPhone is better than USB-C on Android.

A friend had a Galaxy S9 and Android Auto. It was a miserable experience. Even a no longer supported iPhone 5 with CarPlay was better, it was flawless.

Cableboi or wireless spaceboi?

Boy oh boy.

If you want to downgrade to Android, don’t feel ashamed or shy, it is what it is.

Through diversity of Androids and cloning of ideas on both sides comes strength.

You do you. I urge you to buy an Android of your choice even sooner than the two years you’re suggesting.

Why wait? If Android is so good, treat yourself now. You deserve it! Don’t hold back.

Be one with the Pixel. Be one with the One UI. Go digital with the Android, let the electrons flow through you.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Bro what? Apple even sells a USB 3.0 Lightning adapter, I have one.

Wireless faster anyway, why you still hung up on pesky wires, you must like the retro lifestyle?

I back up everything to iCloud. Oh, I have iMazing too, but rarely need to use it.

The only reason I use a cable is for 20+watt charging, otherwise I use MagSafe, too, even Qi charging.

I don’t know anyone that uses a cable on iPhone very often for data.

I mean, I do occasionally transfer some photos via Inage Capture, and you’re right, it could be USB 3.0 there.

But even Lightning on iPhone is better than USB-C on Android.

A friend had a Galaxy S9 and Android Auto. It was a miserable experience. Even a no longer supported iPhone 5 with CarPlay was better, it was flawless.

Cableboi or wireless spaceboi?

Boy oh boy.

If you want to downgrade to Android, don’t feel ashamed or shy, it is what it is.

Through diversity of Androids and cloning of ideas on both sides comes strength.

You do you. I urge you to buy an Android of your choice even sooner than the two years you’re suggesting.

Why wait? If Android is so good, treat yourself now. You deserve it! Don’t hold back.

Be one with the Pixel. Be one with the One UI. Go digital with the Android, let the electrons flow through you.

...are you okay?

 

[alexonline]

...are you okay?

Yeah, I’m good. I use iPhone, bro.

If you want to go Android, I’m not holding you back.

Go for it. It’s your life, your choice. Your down or upgrade.

The real question is… are you ok?

Hope so. Peace. 🤣😂

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Yeah, I’m good. I use an iPhone, bro.

If you want to go Android, I’m not holding you back.

Go for it. It’s your life, your choice.

The real question is… are you ok?

Hope so. Peace. 🤣😂

I mean yeah I'm tired of iOS and the direction iPhone is going so I want an Android. I've been eyeing the ASUS ROG Phone and it looks to be the perfect fit for me. I also plan on moving from iPad to the Galaxy Tab S8 as I've been hearing nothing but good things about that tablet.

 

[alexonline]

I mean yeah I'm tired of iOS and the direction iPhone is going so I want an Android. I've been eyeing the ASUS ROG Phone and it looks to be the perfect fit for me. I also plan on moving from iPad to the Galaxy Tab S8 as I've been hearing nothing but good things about that tablet.

The ASUS ROG phone does get good reviews, that’s for sure. Samsung’s Galaxy Tablets are also the best Android tablets out there.

There’s no question Android has matured a lot, and with Google having announced at I/O this year that it’s finally going to take Android tablets seriously… well, its about time.

Just remember to check when the last models of each launched. New Galaxy Tabs come out with the S series, the next S23 is due Feb, which is when Tab S9 also due, in theory.

Always best to get tech when it’s fresh and new, no-one wants to get the model that is about to be superseded, unless you can get a fantastic price.

Also good to see iOS getting a lot of things Android had as standard for years.

I have Android too, it’s part of my job to know the different operating systems, but on a personal level, I just prefer iOS.

But that’s after using both systems… Android has never been better, Android 13 is a nice upgrade to Android 12, like a good polish.

I still prefer iOS 16 though, have been using the beta for the last couple of months and it goes live to the public today, maybe it already is.

Cheers

Alex

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

The ASUS ROG phone does get good reviews, that’s for sure. Samsung’s Galaxy Tablets are also the best Android tablets out there.

There’s no question Android has matured a lot, and with Google having announced at I/O this year that it’s finally going to take Android tablets seriously… well, its about time.

Just remember to check when the last models of each launched. New Galaxy Tabs come out with the S series, the next S23 is due Feb, which is when Tab S9 also due, in theory.

Always best to get tech when it’s fresh and new, no-one wants to get the model that is about to be superseded, unless you can get a fantastic price.

Also good to see iOS getting a lot of things Android had as standard for years.

I have Android too, it’s part of my job to know the different operating systems, but on a personal level, I just prefer iOS.

But that’s after using both systems… Android has never been better, Android 13 is a nice upgrade to Android 12, like a good polish.

I still prefer iOS 16 though, have been using the beta for the last couple of months and it goes live to the public today, maybe it already is.

Cheers

Alex

See, now were those "downgrade" comments from earlier necessary now?

 

[Squillace]

See, now were those "downgrade" comments from earlier necessary now?

I think they were.

Apple is about the whole experience.

But feel free to come back in a few months or years to tell us how you feel. Lots of people take the leap and go for Android just to realize they were better served with Apple. Others take the leap for good. We'll see in which category you fit.

 

[I WAS the one]

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful notch
That started from this west coast port
After the Apple Watch.

The mate was a mighty counter man,
The skipper looming large.
An unincluded power brick.
For a small extra charge, a small extra charge.

The refresh rate started getting rough,
The LCD's were tossed,
If not for the COURAGE of Tim and crew
The notch would be lost, the notch would be lost.

The screen settled down with this mighty morphin isle
With Timmy and
Mr. Eddie Cue
The Williams' heir and his wife
Srouji Hard (ware)
And the rest
Here on dy-na-mic isle.

For some reason, you bring this song to my mind...

 

[alexonline]

I still prefer iOS to Android and when you look at everything, including the fact Android hardware can be more advanced and earlier than on iPhones and iPads, that going from iOS to Android really is a downgrade.

And I say that as an experienced user of both, across multiple devices, and not as a blind ideologue.

Squillace above says it best. It’s about the experience.

But, you will learn this the hard way, the way most humans learn their lessons

And yes, please do report back in a few months/years etc.

I use iOS and Android as part of my work in tech, but my personal environments are iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS for good reason - personal experience over many many years have shown these deliver a superior integrated experience with the best ecosystem of products, services, apps and accessories.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

I still prefer iOS to Android and when you look at everything, including the fact Android hardware can be more advanced and earlier than on iPhones and iPads, that going from iOS to Android really is a downgrade.

And I say that as an experienced user of both, across multiple devices, and not as a blind ideologue.

Squillace above says it best. It’s about the experience.

But, you will learn this the hard way, the way most humans learn their lessons

Well seeing as Androids have access to Xbox Game Pass and can play Gran Turismo 2, Persona 3, and now 3DS games, I think I'll be good lmao.

 

[exoticSpice]

Well seeing as Androids have access to Xbox Game Pass and can play Gran Turismo 2, Persona 3, and now 3DS games, I think I'll be good lmao.

iPhones can have xbox gamepass too.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

iPhones can have xbox gamepass too.

Only through your web browser and not through a native app. Trying to use Xbox Cloud on iPhone is objectively worse than on Android.

 

[joshseibert]

I was okay with the dot and pill, then shocked by the filled-in pill, and now obsessed with dynamic island.

I'd love to see something interesting done with the little border between the island and the edge. Like a notification visual alert when the screen's off. (Please excuse the rudimentary animation.)

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

For some reason, you bring this song to my mind...

Oh god that song. That song did irreversible damage to Mac users