New computer-aided design (CAD) renders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have surfaced online. These images suggest that Apple is planning a significant change to its front-facing display technology for the 2026 flagship lineup. The leaked files show a much smaller Dynamic Island compared to the current iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series. This shift indicates that Apple may have finally achieved a technical breakthrough in shrinking the sensors required for Face ID.
The reduction in the size of the pill-shaped cutout appears to be the result of new “metalens” technology for the Face ID system. According to a report by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is moving toward these thinner, flatter lenses to replace the current plastic components in the TrueDepth camera array. Metalenses use nanostructures to focus light, which allows for a much more compact sensor housing. This change helps Apple move closer to its long-term goal of an all-screen design where cameras and sensors are eventually placed entirely under the display.
Supply chain sources have indicated that this smaller cutout will be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. The standard iPhone 18 models are expected to retain the current Dynamic Island size for at least one more generation. The CAD renders also reveal that while the cutout is smaller, the software functionality of the Dynamic Island will remain. It will still expand and contract to show system alerts, live activities, and background tasks, but it will occupy less physical pixels on the OLED panel.
“Apple is working to transition more of the Face ID hardware to under-display positions, but the infrared camera remains the biggest challenge,” says a leaked research note from DSCC analyst Ross Young. “The use of a metalens is a mid-step that allows for a significantly reduced footprint before the full transition to under-screen Face ID expected in the iPhone 19 or later.”
The leaked schematics also show slightly thinner bezels and a familiar titanium frame. Beyond the display changes, the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature a 2-nanometer A20 chip and an upgraded 48-megapixel telephoto lens across both Pro sizes. While these CAD renders often come from accessory makers who receive early dimensions to prepare cases, they are considered highly reliable indicators of the final product design.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Specifications (Rumored)
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A20 Bionic (2nm process) |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR6 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Wide + 48MP Ultra-Wide + 48MP Periscope Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth with Metalens Face ID |
| Battery | 4,950 mAh with 45W Wired Charging |
| OS | iOS 20 |
| Build | Grade 5 Titanium Frame, Ceramic Shield Front |
The smaller Dynamic Island will likely be a major marketing point for Apple as it tries to distinguish the Pro models from the base versions. Fans of the brand have been waiting for a reduction in the display notch or cutout since the iPhone X debuted in 2017. These leaks suggest that 2026 will be the year Apple finally provides more screen real estate by condensing its facial recognition hardware.
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Apple has not officially commented on these leaks. The company typically announces its new iPhone lineup in September of each year. Given that the iPhone 18 is still over a year away, some design elements could change during the testing phase. But the consistency of reports regarding metalens technology makes this smaller Dynamic Island one of the most credible rumors for the 2026 cycle.
