Rumors about Apple moving Face ID sensors beneath the display have circulated for years, yet have never materialized. That could change soon. A growing number of leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be the first to make that shift - starting with a dramatically more compact Dynamic Island.

A new leak shared by Ice Universe and reported by MacRumors claims the Dynamic Island on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max will be 35% smaller compared to the current iPhone 17 Pro Max. Specifically, the horizontal width is expected to shrink from 20.76mm to just 13.49mm.

This is a substantial redesign, especially considering Apple’s historically cautious approach to changes on the front display. While the Dynamic Island remains a core element of iPhone design - serving both aesthetic and functional roles - a more compact version could dramatically reshape user interaction.

In recent years, the Dynamic Island has evolved into a distinctive software layer that cleverly masks the presence of front-facing camera and Face ID sensors, while doubling as a smart display hub for Live Activities.

However, many users and analysts have long hoped that Apple would eventually move most - if not all - Face ID components beneath the screen, minimizing the front cutout altogether.

With this new leak providing actual dimensions, speculation is heating up that iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may be the first models to realize that vision. The reduced size suggests that some Face ID sensors may now be concealed under the display, though not all.

The leaked illustration accompanying the report sparked discussion due to the Dynamic Island appearing off-center. Some speculate this might be part of Apple’s final design, while others believe it could be an error in an early schematic. Apple’s strong preference for symmetry in its product designs makes the latter more plausible.

At a technical level, the Dynamic Island is simply a user interface layer that covers the physical cutouts on the OLED display - typically housing the selfie camera and sensors. Without this overlay, the hardware would appear as a visible black dot and a separate pill-shaped opening.

In a best-case scenario, if Apple manages to move all Face ID components under the screen except for the selfie camera, only a small circular cutout would be necessary. But based on this leak, it appears the Dynamic Island will remain pill-shaped - just more compact - meaning some sensors likely remain above the screen glass.

Even without achieving a completely seamless display, this reduction is still meaningful - not just for aesthetics but for functionality. With less screen space occupied, Apple could introduce more flexible and dynamic ways to display Live Activities, opening the door for a potential “Dynamic Island 2.0” experience.

Some observers believe Apple may even treat the revamped Dynamic Island as a premium feature exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro models - similar to how the feature was originally rolled out.

Crucially, multiple reputable leakers are now converging on this detail. Ice Universe is widely considered reliable, and Jon Prosser - known for both high-profile leaks and controversy - recently resurfaced with a bold claim that the selfie camera would move to a corner of the screen, and Face ID would disappear entirely.

However, that prediction has faced backlash from other sources who suggest he misinterpreted data. More credible leaks indicate that Face ID components will move to the left side under the screen, while the camera remains centered.

As always, more details are expected to surface before the iPhone 18 lineup is officially unveiled in the fall. Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple may also reveal the long-rumored iPhone Fold. Still, there’s a chance Apple may stick with a more traditional launch, delaying its foldable plans.

Once mass production begins, Apple’s supply chain should offer more concrete confirmation of the hardware designs. For now, consumers are getting a clearer picture of Apple’s direction with Dynamic Island - one that favors subtle but meaningful evolution.

Given Ice Universe’s track record and the consistency across various leaks, this redesign is increasingly seen as likely. But as always, nothing is certain until Apple takes the stage.

Hai Phong