You might soon experience a new design feature on the upcoming iPhone 17 models, as rumors suggest the Dynamic Island might shrink in size across all variants. According to Jeff Pu, an Apple analyst at GF Securities, all four iPhone 17 models will adopt metalens technology for Face ID. This tech change could lead to a more compact Dynamic Island, potentially changing how you interact with the device’s front interface.
The information first appeared in an investor research note earlier this month. Pu previously predicted that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would have a narrower Dynamic Island due to the metalens. However, his most recent update indicates that this design modification won’t be exclusive—it’s expected to apply to the base iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, and the smaller iPhone 17 Pro as well. This means that if you plan to upgrade your iPhone next year, you could notice a sleeker and less intrusive Dynamic Island regardless of the model you choose.
Earlier leaks from a source known as Digital Chat Station also support these claims. They mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro Max would use a metalens that integrates both the transmitter and receiver components for Face ID. This integration would allow Apple to reduce the size of some Face ID components, directly contributing to the potential shrinking of the Dynamic Island. For you, this could translate to more screen space and a cleaner front design.
Not everyone is convinced the Dynamic Island size will change, though. Ming-Chi Kuo, another well-known Apple analyst, shared in January that he believes the size will remain “largely unchanged” across the iPhone 17 series. Since all three sources have established track records with Apple information, you might want to keep an eye on how these rumors develop as launch day approaches.
Looking further ahead, you should also note that next year’s iPhone 18 Pro models are rumored to feature under-screen Face ID with only a small front camera hole. This hints at Apple’s ongoing efforts to reduce the device’s notch and related components for a more immersive display experience. For the moment, the introduction of metalens technology on the iPhone 17 series suggests that you could already start seeing the benefits of a smaller Dynamic Island and a cleaner interface.
In the final consideration, whether you prefer the base, Pro, Pro Max, or the Air model, the possibility of a smaller Dynamic Island thanks to metalens-based Face ID components could be a welcome upgrade. Stay tuned to official announcements to see if your next iPhone will feature these exciting design changes.




