Camilla Jessen
Apple’s next generation of iPhones is expected to come with a surprising design tweak.
When Apple releases its next line of iPhones, there’s one surprising thing that will actually shrink.
Not just the iPhone 17 Pro models, but all new iPhones are rumored to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, according to the latest reports.
The Dynamic Island — the interactive notch at the top of the screen — first appeared on the Pro models in 2022 and was extended to all models with the iPhone 15 series in 2023.
Now, with the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, it’s reportedly being scaled down.
From Pro-Only to All Models
Previous leaks, including from trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggested that only the Pro models would receive a smaller Face ID island.
But now, analyst Jeff Pu tells MacRumors and Trend that all iPhone 17 models will benefit from the change. Apple is said to be switching to a new type of proximity sensor lens — a flatter and smaller version — which contributes to the reduced size of the Dynamic Island.
This sensor is responsible for detecting when you hold the phone to your ear and automatically turns off the screen. Currently, it’s one of the larger components housed in the Dynamic Island, but the slimmer new lens allows for a significant reduction in size.
What Does “Smaller” Mean?
It remains unclear exactly how the Dynamic Island will shrink — whether it will become narrower, shorter, or both.
The shift to a smaller sensor across all models could be due to economies of scale: using the same component in every version of the iPhone 17 helps reduce production costs.
Apple introduced the Dynamic Island as more than a cutout — it’s designed to add functionality to the screen’s top space. Timers, music playback, navigation info, and more are displayed in the island when apps are minimized.
Third-party apps like Wolt also use it to show useful updates — such as how many minutes remain until your food arrives.
What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Lineup
The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in September, following Apple’s typical release cycle. The lineup will likely include the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Max.
Replacing the previous Plus and Mini models, this year Apple is rumored to introduce the all-new iPhone 17 Air — said to be the thinnest iPhone ever, potentially even slimmer than the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
So far, Apple has been tight-lipped about this model, but expectations are already high.