New look at the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro's reduced Dynamic Island thanks to CAD render leaks
Courtesy of X tipster @earlyappleleaks, confidential CAD files have surfaced four months ahead of the expected September 2026 launch confirming Apple's most notable display change in years.
Confidential CAD files for the iPhone 18 Pro have surfaced four months ahead of its expected September 2026 launch, confirming Apple's first significant display change since the iPhone 14 Pro. The render shows a Dynamic Island that's around 25–35% smaller.
The New Dynamic Island Is Finally Shrinking
New CAD renders for the iPhone 18 Pro from credible X tipster @earlyappleleaks reveal a Dynamic Island that is 25 to 35% smaller than previous generations. The leak appears to have originated from case manufacturers who received Apple's near-final design dimensions.
How Is It Getting Smaller?
The short answer: Face ID is partially moving under the display. Because Face ID sensors aren't moving entirely under the display this year, the pill isn't going extinct just yet.
💡 By tucking some part of the Face ID most likely the flood illuminator beneath the display, Apple will finally be able to shrink the footprint of the Dynamic Island noticeably.
Will the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 Get the Smaller Cutout?
Unfortunately, as of the time of writing, it is not known if the base iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 will get the smaller cutout.
If past Apple behavior is anything to go by, the smaller cutout will likely be exclusive to the Pro models at least for the first generation.
Why This Matters
For nearly four generations, the Dynamic Island introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro has remained largely unchanged. The latest leaks indicate Apple is now preparing to significantly reduce its size.
Some analysts describe this as the beginning of a transition toward a true all-screen iPhone. For consumers, this means a less obtrusive notch and more usable screen space.