Latest on January 26, 2026, with the extremely recent information about amendment to the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone 18 display, besides gossip of under-display Face ID, lightness enhancements, Dynamic Island redesign, and LTPO Plus technology.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are poised for one of the most noticeable display redesigns in recent years. While screen sizes have evolved over time, the Dynamic Island has remained largely unchanged since its debut. Fresh leaks now point to a significant shrink in the Dynamic Island cutout, alongside major brightness improvements across the iPhone 18 series — and potential advancements like LTPO Plus panels and steps toward under-display Face ID.
Dynamic Island Set for First Major Redesign on iPhone 18 Pro Models
Introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in September 2022, the Dynamic Island replaced the wider notch on Face ID-enabled iPhones starting from the iPhone X. Today, it’s only present on the entry-level iPhone 16e in Apple’s lineup.
For the first time, the Dynamic Island is getting a substantial makeover. Leaker Ice Universe, known for accurate predictions, revealed on X: “The Dynamic Island cutout width on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max has been reduced from 20.76 mm to 13.49 mm, representing a reduction of approximately 35%.”
This narrower cutout won’t eliminate it entirely (like a true punch-hole or fully under-display setup), but the visual difference will be striking — enough for people to instantly recognize the new Pro models at a glance.
The change likely stems from relocating components like the flood illuminator (essential for Face ID) under the display, reducing visible space without sacrificing functionality.
Which iPhone Models Will Get the Smaller Dynamic Island?
Leaks indicate this upgrade is exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 18 (and possibly the rumored iPhone Air 2) may miss out. Historically, major features like the original Dynamic Island debuted on Pro models first, arriving on base models a year later. While the iPhone Air 2 is tipped for a 2027 launch and positioned as premium, it’s uncertain if it will include this change.
iPhone 18 Series Brighter Display Rumors
A separate leak from Weibo user Instant Digital highlights unprecedented brightness demands for the iPhone 18.
Chinese supplier BOE reportedly has “little hope” of producing panels due to Apple’s exceptionally high requirements — signaling a major jump in screen brightness.

The conventional iPhone 17 features a Super Retina XDR and show with 1,000 nits typical lightness 1,600 nits peak HDR, and 3,000 nits peak outside. The iPhone 18 is awaited to surpass these figures completely,improving visibility in shining conditions.
absorbing, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro share identical lightness specs.
This suggests the iPhone 18 Pro could also see a boost to maintain hierarchy — though the base iPhone 18 matching or exceeding Pro levels seems unlikely, especially after the iPhone 17 became the first non-Pro to gain ProMotion (120Hz).
iPhone 18 Pro Max LTPO Plus and show and Under-Display Face ID Teased
Reports recommend the iPhone 18 Pro Max will reacquaint Samsung’s LTPO Plus display technology. This promises brighter visuals, better energy efficiency, and improved battery life — aligning with Apple’s sustainability and task achive.
LTPO Plus enables variable renew rates (1-120Hz) with lower power draw.
full under-display sensors remain challenging (infrared camera placement issues persist), it’s described as a key step forward.
A related claim points to under-display Face ID as a milestone for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple is taking a cautious, incremental approach to ensure biometric security and reliability aren’t compromised. This ties into the smaller Dynamic Island — hiding more Face ID components under the screen.
Additional rumors mention the A20 Pro chip on a 2nm process for superior efficiency, plus a potential shift to an Apple C-Series modem over Qualcomm for seamless integration.
The iPhone 18 series looks set to deliver the biggest display evolution in years: a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island on Pro models, dramatically brighter panels across the lineup, advanced LTPO Plus tech on the Pro Max, and progress toward under-display Face ID. These upgrades could redefine premium smartphone viewing in 2026.