Apple iPhone 18 Pro May Feature Significantly Smaller Notch
Apple continues to refine its flagship smartphone design, with new reports suggesting a major shift for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Industry insiders indicate that the next generation of Pro models could feature a Dynamic Island that is approximately 35 percent smaller than the current design seen on the iPhone 17 series.
Advanced Under-Display Infrared Technology
The reduction in size, potentially shrinking the cutout from 20.7mm to roughly 13.49mm, is expected to be made possible by moving critical hardware beneath the screen. Specifically, Apple is rumored to be developing under-display infrared sensors. This technology would allow the Face ID biometric system to function while occupying less physical space on the display surface.
Key highlights of the rumored design include:
- A 35 percent reduction in the pill-shaped notch area.
- Integration of under-display infrared sensors for Face ID.
- Potential for increased usable screen real estate.
- Launch expected in September 2026.
The Evolution of the Dynamic Island
The Dynamic Island originally debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro, serving as a functional hub for notifications, Live Activities, and system alerts. While the front-facing camera is expected to remain centered, shifting specific Face ID components under the display allows Apple to minimize the visual footprint of the sensor array.
Despite these changes, current reports suggest the selfie camera will likely remain in its traditional top-center position rather than moving to the corner. This hardware evolution is expected to set the standard for Apple's smartphone aesthetics through 2027. While the launch is still far off, these leaks provide a glimpse into how Apple aims to achieve a truly all-screen experience in the future.