New iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro Rumors: Smaller Dynamic Island, No Under-Screen Face ID

[MacRumors]

Apple's next-generation iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max models will be equipped with a slightly smaller Dynamic Island, but the devices will not feature under-screen Face ID, according to the Weibo account Instant Digital.

There were conflicting rumors about whether the iPhone 17 Pro models would have a smaller Dynamic Island, but its size did not change. Now, the rumor is back on the table for the iPhone 18 series, and there is a decent chance it will be true this time around, as it would be a stepping stone towards the rumored 20th-anniversary all-glass iPhone.

Under-screen Face ID has been rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro models, so it feels like one of those features that is always a year or two away. Indeed, if the latest information shared by Instant Digital is accurate, under-screen Face ID will not debut until the iPhone 19 Pro models or later. The cycle repeats.

None of the iPhone 18 models will feature an under-screen front camera, the account added. Instead, the devices will have a smaller Dynamic Island and a visible front camera, according to the information they shared on Weibo today.

Instant Digital has around 1.5 million followers on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform. The account has accurately leaked information about future Apple products in the past, such as the iPhone 17 Pro models featuring a vapor chamber cooling system, the Yellow finish for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Titanium Milanese Loop. However, the account does not have a perfect track record, and some of the other iPhone 17 rumors it shared in recent months did not materialize.

We are still a year away from the iPhone 18 series, so buckle up, as there will be plenty more rumors about the devices to come.

Article Link: New iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro Rumors: Smaller Dynamic Island, No Under-Screen Face ID

 

[Paddle1]

I won't be surprised if we end up with same Dynamic Island again, these rumors are always overly optimistic.

 

[jz0309]

rumors, rumors, rumors ... keep them coming
Wednesday this week: iPhone 18 will get under-screen faceid
Saturday same week: never mind
next week: guess what, under-screen faceid is back from some other "leaker"

 

[ridgero]

Are there any rumors yet about where it can be pre-ordered?

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Dynamic Island placement is so ****ing stupid, and it's even worse on the 16 pro and 17/pro , and EVEN worse on the air

Because it's placed lower, all the area around and above it (as well as under, slightly) can only be used for a huge status bar that serves no purpose other than to annoy the user until he smashes his phone on the ground in a comprehensible frustration

Loses real estate . It's almost like a 6" phone I think?

So, I care not for a smaller island if it remains that low on the screen , as horizontal space isn't what I'm missing most

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Makes you wonder if the Dynamic Island will still live, and how much focus apple is gonna put on it if they intend to remove it in 2 years .

Speaking of have there been any changes and improvements for the island, in terms of compatibility and new features ? Apart from apple apps, how many actually use it in a meaningful way ?

 

[CyberGene]

It’s like diving into Calculus, isn’t it? The island might not vanish, but it’ll keep shrinking and shrinking. Take the iPhone 118, for instance—its island could be just a few pixels wide!

 

[klasma]

Are there any rumors yet about where it can be pre-ordered?

On the Apple Store.

(You didn’t ask when.)

 

[Kottu]

Waiting for iPhone 20

 

[zahuh]

Nobody has mentioned, not a single reviewer, that the Dynamic Island is lower on the iPhone Air. I can't unsee it!

 

[IceCool]

I think this is the most likely scenario - and I think it has been the most likely scenario.

iPhone 18: Inherits Dynamic Island from the 2025 iPhone models
iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max: Smaller Dynamic Island

iPhone 19: Inherits Dynamic Island from the iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone 20: Under Display

I truly believe that there was always a near-zero chance that Apple would ever release an iPhone with a hole punch cutout aligned to the leading edge of the device.

To further drive my point, this timeline is backed by history. For this example, I am omitting the mid-range flagship models (ie. iPhone XR, iPhone 13, iPhone 15) as they have their own timeline and are never the first to lead, making them redundant here.

The timeline is as follows:

The iPhone X (2017) introduced a notch that lasted a total of 4 years through the 2018, 2019, and 2020 iPhone models; shrunk in 2021 lasting 1 year before being eliminated by the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 14 Pro (2022) introduced the Dynamic Island that lasted 4 years through the 2023, 2024, and 2025 iPhone models; shrunk in 2026 lasting 1 year before being eliminated by under display technology.*

That being said, only time will tell.
*Assuming current rumors prove true

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Nobody has mentioned, not a single reviewer, that the Dynamic Island is lower on the iPhone Air. I can't unsee it!

Geekerwan did. He's one of the only that matter to me . The rest are just reading specs like anancephalics.

Notebookcheck and gsmarena are good as well .

Mkbhd and the rest pawning over colors and whatnot .

Unfortunately the "big" reviewers are all rather superficial , yet they're the one who get the devices the fastest

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

I think this is the most likely scenario - and I think it has been the most likely scenario.

iPhone 18: Inherits Dynamic Island from the 2025 iPhone models
iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max: Smaller Dynamic Island

iPhone 19: Inherits Dynamic Island from the iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone 20: Under Display

I truly believe that there was always a near-zero chance that Apple would ever release an iPhone with a hole punch cutout aligned to the leading edge of the device.

To further drive my point, this timeline is backed by history. For this example, I am omitting the mid-range flagship models (ie. iPhone XR, iPhone 13, iPhone 15) as they have their own timeline and are never the first to lead, making them redundant here.

The timeline is as follows:

The iPhone X (2017) introduced a notch that lasted a total of 4 years through the 2018, 2019, and 2020 iPhone models; shrunk in 2021 lasting 1 year before being eliminated by the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 14 Pro (2022) introduced the Dynamic Island that lasted 4 years through the 2023, 2024, and 2025 iPhone models; shrunk in 2026 lasting 1 year before being eliminated by under display technology.*

That being said, only time will tell.
*Assuming current rumors prove true

There most likely won't be an iPhone 19

 

[klasma]

I truly believe that there was always a near-zero chance that Apple would ever release an iPhone with a hole punch cutout aligned to the leading edge of the device.

In all likelihood they will have to use a hole punch camera for the Face ID-less iPhone Fold next year.

 

[jimimac71]

Waiting for iPhone 20

I suspect like the numbering system for the OS's, the hardware will do the same thing.
It would be nice if the whole thing didn't have to be annual.
I know, good luck with that.
BUT it would give Apple a chance to truly innovate, making many customers happier.

 

[Icehawk]

I heard from my father's, brother's, nephew's, cousin's, former roommate that next year's phone will... And you are so not going to believe this. Answer calls.

I love the rumor mill. lol Churring out deets for a product replacing a product that isn't even out yet like its a shot scoop. Keep on churning! Now, can you find out when the new AppleTV is dropping I needz

 

[IceCool]

There most likely won't be an iPhone 19

I disagree. I believe there will be, but I do not believe it will be called as such. I expect Apple to simplify the naming scheme of the lineup similar to their OS's in 2027.

I didn't specify as I didn't think it was relevant enough to mention, but "iPhone 19" is just a placeholder referring to the whichever iPhone ends up being the mid-range flagship, or the one designed for "99% of people".

Alas, only time (and Apple) will tell!

 

[IceCool]

In all likelihood they will have to use a hole punch camera for the Face ID-less iPhone Fold next year.

Very possible - I was only focusing on the "slab" models, but I agree!

 

[rkRusty]

Another year of Dynamic Island probably means another year of incremental changes. The last real 'innovation' happened with the iPhone X, and the next innovation will probably only come with a folding iPhone, or when they finally get a camera under the display.

 

[Jeremy3292]

That 20th anniversary 2027 iPhone is looking very meh at this point. More like 2030

 

[Rskittles]

Apple's next-generation iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max models will be equipped with a slightly smaller Dynamic Island, but the devices will not feature under-screen Face ID, according to the Weibo account Instant Digital.

There were conflicting rumors about whether the iPhone 17 Pro models would have a smaller Dynamic Island, but its size did not change. Now, the rumor is back on the table for the iPhone 18 series, and there is a decent chance it will be true this time around, as Apple is reportedly working towards a 20th-anniversary all-glass iPhone.

Under-screen Face ID has been rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro models, so it feels like one of those features that is always a year or two away. Indeed, if the latest information shared by Instant Digital is accurate, under-screen Face ID will not debut until the iPhone 19 Pro models or later. The cycle repeats.

None of the iPhone 18 models will feature an under-screen front camera, the account added. Instead, the devices will have a smaller Dynamic Island and a visible front camera, according to the information they shared on Weibo today.

Instant Digital has around 1.5 million followers on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform. The account has accurately leaked information about future Apple products in the past, such as the iPhone 17 Pro models featuring a vapor chamber cooling system, the Yellow finish for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Titanium Milanese Loop. However, the account does not have a perfect track record, and some of the other iPhone 17 rumors it shared in recent months did not materialize.

We are still a year away from the iPhone 18 series, so buckle up, as there will be plenty more rumors about the devices to come.

Article Link: New iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro Rumors: Smaller Dynamic Island, No Under-Screen Face ID

I think I am the only person that loves the Dynamic Island - I went from 11 turquoise 256 to a 16 pro desert titanium. I love my iPhone ( named Gengar cause it’s my favorite Pokemon and my phone is ALWAYS with me. Just like how Geng Geng plays in your shadow ! ) I use dynamic
Island practically every single day!! With the first time it came out on the 14 Pro Series ( beautiful purple - hope it comes back in some fashion - favorite color )

That software was iOS 16 and and only  apps used the island. With iOS 26 it’s allowed so much time since iOS 16 to have 3rd party apps to use the island- practically all use it - I even have a dynamic island tomogachi game I play with it. I also love the camera button !! I am shocked I use it to activate camera !! The moment I could get rid of camera and flashlight widgets - all might buttons had to have a real purpose - changed to reminders and find my app on main screen. As well my action button. My button opens journal which I have dedicated to use it as my personal database for thoughts and ideas then using notes - the format is built like instagram ( 10 years strong without any social media ) I love it All - just feel like the 16 series hit its peak. Change it up - new format … wait 17 series l ?? Interesting new phones but not going to upgrade- due to I have invested in most of apples cases that I want to play with it more! I LOVE IT when I put on my case the entire interface changes to that color !! Thank you  still surprising me and adding magic in your coding ( like iOS 13 dark mode - haven’t looked back ) ALSO please keep purple as an option!!

iPad Air purple 13 in - 1tb is PERFECT IPAD for me - I am an artist and a painter So thanks  in creating new pencils - when it comes out I upgrade my iPad. Went with the air then the pro - my 2018 pro kicks butt even today with some of you still - the air was big and purple - win - now with iOS 26 - omg life changing in my tech usage. I now use it every day cause it’s fun to have what everyone has been wanting…. Touch screen Mac - I am
Loving that I can have many windows open and stage manager works for me so wonderfully to bounce from app to app !! Also with the disappearing menu bar on top - it makes it truly a Mac magic experience!! I know it’s there if I need it but it disappears and it’s fantastic!! So if the Dynamic Island leaves the iPhone then it better be the 20th anniversary iPhone. I will be happy to get!! My 10 gen watch also peaked in perfection- sorry but the watch 11 is watch 10 - blah haha - was the most womp I’ve seen with an upgrade just like the charging pad that never happened ! It did lead to MAGSAFE .. which in my opinion was brilliant- now even with side view ( again magic in coding) became a HomePod in my bedroom!! The speaker on my iPhone 16 pro is so good that it works great as a HomePod mini - I have 6 in my home and took the HomePod mini out of my bedroom and put it with my absolute power house and my opinion best computer setup I have ever had. Mac mini m1 is the computer ( named deep space 9 I am a huge fan of Star Trek - my iPad Air is called Defiant ) and my Mac mini m2 open box at Best Buy 400 off - it was a steal - it’s my PlayStation and Xbox - due too aaa games and indie games can function because the m silicon is soooo freaking awesome!!! Again  magic !! All the computer in one chip !! Chefs kiss! Will always have Mac mini’s keep them going!! M5 maybe be my next .. or m6 - plenty of time. Ok so basically I am a fan of what Apple has done since Johnny Ive left - great man but times changed and personally Apple needed a new direction ( iPhone c unapologetically plastic …. Come on you said it just like that wow ) so here is to the future …. Bring on the  magic !! Can’t wait to see where your products go !! Pictures show I love purple - even my switch lite has a purple case.

 

[klasma]

Very possible - I was only focusing on the "slab" models, but I agree!

Once they do it on the Fold, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to have it on other models as well. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if Face ID doesn’t ever move under-screen.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

I disagree. I believe there will be, but I do not believe it will be called as such. I expect Apple to simplify the naming scheme of the lineup similar to their OS's in 2027.

I didn't specify as I didn't think it was relevant enough to mention, but "iPhone 19" is just a placeholder referring to the whichever iPhone ends up being the mid-range flagship, or the one designed for "99% of people".

Alas, only time (and Apple) will tell!

Ah, you meant iteration, not naming . We'll see

 

[Rskittles]

Oops

 

[BelgianChoklit]

I'm stunned Barbie Plastic ijustine hasn't noticed the lower placement of the island? Probably too busy how wonderful the phone is before even looking at it