The Dynamic Island may become smaller in the iPhone 18 series, not only in the Pro models.
One leaker, one claim, and a major question: is Apple truly prepared to offer the same design features to all iPhone buyers as Pro users this cycle?
Apple's Dynamic Island has been around long enough that most individuals have either accepted it or forgotten its presence. In fact, I’ve noticed people linking the pill-shaped notch to newer iPhone models released over the past three years. Now, a new leak indicates that the replacement for the notch is about to get smaller, and not just on the premium models.
Ice Universe / Weibo
What did the leaker actually say?
This information comes from Ice Universe’s Weibo account (via 9To5Mac). The leaker suggests that the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 series will be slimmer, specifically regarding its thickness from left to right.
While the bezel thickness might remain unchanged, the pill-shaped cutout at the top of the display could be reduced across all models. “The iPhone 18 series retains the same bezel design, except for a smaller central island,” states the Google-translated version of the leaker’s Weibo post.
This marks a significant shift from the direction this narrative has previously taken. All credible speculation regarding a smaller or removed Dynamic Island had previously focused solely on the Pro variants.
The launch timeline complicates things a bit
The iPhone 18 potentially receiving the same design update as the iPhone 18 Pro models could indicate a real change in Apple's typical Pro-first strategy for enhancements. In a subsequent post on X, the leaker mentioned that “all three iPhone 18” models will feature the smaller Dynamic Island.
While Ice Universe has a strong track record, I have some reservations about this claim. The Dynamic Island first appeared on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, while the standard models in the lineup retained the larger notch. It wasn't until the following year that the redesigned notch came to the regular iPhone 15.
Therefore, I’m inclined to believe that the smaller Dynamic Island could be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro. However, the anticipated delay for the iPhone 18 suggests that Apple is probably planning to introduce the standard iPhone 18 in the first quarter of 2027, likely in March.
This would create a gap of about six months between the two devices. Hence, it would be logical to launch the iPhone 18 with a smaller Dynamic Island.
For over five years, Shikhar has been consistently simplifying advancements in consumer tech and presenting them...
I won’t purchase the Galaxy A37 at $450, but I highly recommend these four excellent alternatives
The Galaxy A37 5G isn't a bad device; it’s just outperformed by superior options that are more affordable and prevent you from overpaying for a subpar smartphone.
Samsung released the Galaxy A37 5G at $449.99 for the base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This makes the smartphone $50 pricier than its predecessor, and it appears that the increase is more related to rising component costs amid the ongoing memory crisis, rather than any significant upgrades.
There are several aspects that could ostensibly justify the price increase. For example, the chipset upgrade from Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 to Exynos 1480 offers a modest low double-digit performance boost, which is hardly noticeable to average users. The phone features a slightly enhanced HDR brightness (1900 nits vs. 1700 nits) and a better IP rating (IP68 vs. IP67).
Apple claims Lockdown Mode successfully prevented spyware attacks without a hitch
Apple asserts that it has not experienced any successful spyware attacks on any iPhone with Lockdown Mode activated, a statement shared with TechCrunch.
Lockdown Mode was introduced in 2022 as an opt-in feature for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, designed to provide heightened security for individuals at high risk of targeted attacks, such as journalists, activists, and government officials.
Apple Podcasts finally embraces video, integrating multiple YouTube-like features
With offline downloads, Picture-in-Picture, and a dedicated video hub, iOS 26.4 turns Apple Podcasts into a platform that creators can no longer ignore.
For years, the Apple Podcasts app technically supported video, but it went largely unused. Creators overlooked it, while listeners forgot about it. Meanwhile, competitors like YouTube and Spotify silently built their empires around video podcasting. However, that might change with the iOS 26.4 update, or at least that’s what Apple hopes.
Video podcasting has skyrocketed in popularity recently, with audiences gravitating toward platforms that effectively cater to the format (as mentioned previously). Even as an iPhone user, I personally listen to podcasts on YouTube (I briefly subscribed to the Premium service as well).
Other articles
Grasping the Concept of Mind Mapping and Its Possible Advantages
We are currently in an information age, which leads to a continual absorption of narrative data throughout our personal and professional lives. This mental burden can clutter the mind, potentially reducing productivity and diverting attention. Digital mind mapping applications, like Miro, can help tackle this issue by providing structured, visual resources for organizing thoughts, overseeing tasks, and […]
Mowing Simplified: This Spring, save as much as $300 with the Wire-free Lymow One Plus.
Lawn maintenance no longer has to feel like a burden. This Spring, with savings of up to $300, the Lymow One Plus is revolutionizing the process. Designed for contemporary living, this wireless robotic mower ensures your yard stays pristine, giving homeowners a chance to relax and enjoy their outdoor areas.
GDC 2026: How Samsung and Worldwide Game Studios Are Transforming the Gaming Experience
During GDC 2026, Samsung showcased how Odyssey 3D and HDR10+ GAMING are revolutionizing gaming experiences. By collaborating with international studios, the company is expanding its 3D library to over 120 titles, providing an immersive experience without the need for glasses.
Kandou AI secures $225 million from SoftBank and Synopsys to address the memory wall challenge in AI.
Swiss chip interconnect firm Kandou AI secured $225 million at a $400 million valuation, wagering that its Chord signaling technology can maintain the relevance of copper in the face of the shift to optical solutions.
The Dynamic Island may reduce in size on the iPhone 18 series, and this change might apply to all models, not exclusively the Pro versions.
According to reports, Apple intends to introduce a more compact Dynamic Island across the entire iPhone 18 lineup; however, an atypical staggered launch schedule indicates that the overall situation is still uncertain.
Apple claims that Lockdown Mode successfully defended against spyware attacks without leaving a trace.
Apple claims that it has not observed any successful spyware attacks on iPhones with Lockdown Mode activated, emphasizing that the feature reduces attack surfaces and prevents typical entry points utilized by sophisticated threats.
The Dynamic Island may become smaller in the iPhone 18 series, not only in the Pro models.
Apple is said to be planning a more streamlined Dynamic Island for the entire iPhone 18 lineup; however, an unconventional staggered launch schedule suggests that the complete details are still uncertain.