Apple Still Far From an All-Screen iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro May Get Smaller Dynamic Island

Apple’s long-term goal of creating a true all-screen iPhone is still a work in progress. According to new supply chain reports, the company is facing ongoing challenges with under-display technology, meaning the next-generation iPhone won’t fully eliminate the front cutout just yet.

Instead, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a smaller version of the Dynamic Island, rather than a completely seamless display.

Under-Display Face ID Still Isn’t Ready

Apple has been working toward hiding Face ID components beneath the display, but progress appears slower than expected.

Recent reports suggest there is still a significant technical gap before Apple can reliably move its front-facing sensors under the screen without compromising performance. Face ID is one of the iPhone’s core features, and Apple has historically avoided releasing major changes until they meet its reliability standards.

Because of this, under-display Face ID is now likely delayed to a future generation.

A Smaller Dynamic Island Instead

Rather than removing the cutout entirely, Apple is expected to shrink the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro.

Earlier leaks suggested the company had been testing ways to reduce the size of the cutout by around 35 percent, making it less noticeable while keeping the same functionality.

This approach allows Apple to improve the design incrementally while continuing to refine the underlying technology needed for a fully hidden system.

Mixed Reports, but a Clear Direction

There have been conflicting rumors about what Apple would do next.

Some earlier leaks hinted at a major redesign with under-display Face ID and a punch-hole camera. However, more recent reports point to a more conservative update, with the current design largely staying intact.

This aligns with Apple’s typical strategy. The company often tests new technologies across multiple product cycles before introducing a major visual change, especially when it involves essential features like biometric security.

A Familiar Design With Subtle Refinement

The iPhone 18 Pro, which has already entered early mass production testing, is now expected to look very similar to the current generation from the front.

The key difference will likely be a slightly more compact Dynamic Island, offering a cleaner appearance without changing how the feature works.

For most users, this will feel like a refinement rather than a redesign.

Apple’s Long-Term Vision

Apple is still clearly working toward a future where the iPhone display is uninterrupted by notches or cutouts.

However, achieving that vision requires solving complex challenges related to camera quality, sensor accuracy, and display performance. Until those issues are fully resolved, Apple appears to be taking a gradual approach.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 18 Pro may not deliver the all-screen breakthrough some were hoping for, but it represents another step in that direction.

By shrinking the Dynamic Island instead of removing it, Apple can continue improving the design while ensuring reliability. For now, the dream of a completely uninterrupted iPhone display remains on the horizon rather than just around the corner.