iPhone 18 Pro Max leak highlights a reduced Dynamic Island, giving more screen space and a sleeker front design.
New leaks suggest Apple may finally be ready to shrink the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. According to recent information shared by a well-known leaker, the change could be made possible by Apple introducing under-display Face ID technology. If true, this would mark one of the biggest visual updates to the iPhone in recent years.
Rumors about under-display Face ID have circulated for a long-time, but Apple has yet to bring the feature to market. With the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, that could finally change.
Under Display Face ID May Be Coming
For several years, analysts and leakers have claimed Apple was working on hiding Face ID components beneath the display. Technical challenges reportedly delayed the move, but newer leaks suggest the technology may now be ready.
If Face ID sensors can work reliably under the screen, Apple would no longer need the large cutout currently used for the Dynamic Island. That would allow for a cleaner front design and more usable display space. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are both expected to benefit from this change, although the Pro Max is the model most often mentioned in leaks so far.
Smaller Dynamic Island Dimensions Revealed
According to a leak shared by Ice Universe and later reported by MacRumors, the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be reduced by around 35%. The current cutout measures about 20.76mm, while the new design is said to shrink it down to approximately 13.49mm.
This is a noticeable reduction and would make the Dynamic Island much less intrusive during everyday use. The leaked image also shows the island slightly off-center, which has raised some eyebrows. Apple usually aims for symmetry in its designs, so the off-center look could be due to an early mockup or a simple mistake. It is also possible that the final product will adjust the positioning to maintain Apple’s usual design balance.
What the Smaller Cutout Could Mean
Right now, the Dynamic Island hides both the selfie camera and Face ID sensors behind a pill shaped software element. Without that software layer, users would see separate cutouts for the camera and sensors.
If Apple moves most Face ID components under the display, only the selfie camera may remain visible. That could result in a much smaller circular cutout, similar to what some Android phones already use. The leak suggests Apple may not fully hide every sensor just yet, which explains why the cutout is still larger than a single camera hole. Even so, the reduced size would be a big step forward.
More Space for Live Activities
A smaller Dynamic Island could open the door for improvements to how Apple uses it. With more screen space available, Live Activities could become more detailed and easier to read.
This may lead to a refreshed version of the Dynamic Island experience, possibly acting as a key selling point for the iPhone 18 Pro models. Apple could keep advanced Dynamic Island features exclusive to higher-end devices to encourage upgrades. Developers would also benefit from having more room to display real-time information without blocking too much of the screen.
Conflicting Leaks Still Circulating
While most leakers agree the Dynamic Island will get smaller, not everyone agrees on how Apple will achieve it. Jon Prosser recently shared a concept that showed the selfie camera placed in the corner of the display with no visible Face ID components.
That idea was quickly criticized, as it does not line up with other reports. Current rumors suggest under-display Face ID sensors would sit on the left side, with the selfie camera remaining closer to the center. It is possible Prosser’s source misinterpreted early data, or that Apple tested multiple layouts before settling on a final design.
What to Expect Next
As Apple moves closer to production, more details about the iPhone 18 lineup should begin to surface. Supply chain sources often confirm display changes months before launch, so clearer information is likely on the way.
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a possible folding iPhone are expected to launch in the fall. That said, Apple could still decide to delay certain features or models if they are not ready. There is also a chance Apple sticks to a more traditional lineup and saves major design changes for a later release.
Final Thoughts
For now, the idea of a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro Max looks realistic. The reported dimensions line up with other leaks, and Ice Universe has a solid track record when it comes to display-related details. While nothing is confirmed, this leak gives a clearer picture of where Apple’s design is heading. If under-display Face ID finally arrives, it could mark the beginning of a new era for the iPhone’s front design.
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