Rumors around Apple hiding Face ID components beneath the display have circulated for years, but new leaks now suggest that the apple iphone 18 pro max could finally take a meaningful step in that direction, starting with a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island.

Leak Claims 35% Smaller Dynamic Island

According to a new leak shared by Ice Universe and reported by MacRumors, the Dynamic Island on the apple iphone 18 pro max will be significantly reduced in size. The horizontal width is said to shrink by around 35%, going from 20.76mm on the current model to just 13.49mm.

If accurate, this would mark one of the most notable front-display changes Apple has made in recent years, especially given the company’s traditionally cautious approach to design shifts.

Face ID Sensors May Move Under the Display

The reduced size of the Dynamic Island has fueled speculation that Apple may finally relocate some Face ID components beneath the screen on the apple iphone 18 pro max. While the pill-shaped cutout is expected to remain, the smaller footprint suggests fewer visible sensors on the display surface.

However, the leak indicates that not all Face ID elements have moved under the screen yet, meaning the Dynamic Island will still play a role in masking hardware components.

Design Questions Around Alignment and Symmetry

The leaked illustration accompanying the report drew attention due to the Dynamic Island appearing slightly off-center. Some believe this could hint at a new design direction, but others argue it is likely an error in an early schematic.

Given Apple’s long-standing preference for symmetry, most observers lean toward the idea that the final apple iphone 18 pro max design will maintain a centered Dynamic Island.

Dynamic Island Still Central to the iPhone Experience

Despite its smaller size, the Dynamic Island is expected to remain a key part of the user experience on the apple iphone 18 pro max. As a software layer, it continues to combine aesthetics with functionality, acting as a hub for Live Activities while concealing the front-facing camera and sensors.

A more compact version could allow Apple to explore more flexible and dynamic interface behaviors without eliminating the feature entirely.

Conflicting Claims From Leakers

Ice Universe’s claim aligns with several other leaks pointing toward under-display Face ID components on the apple iphone 18 pro max. However, Jon Prosser recently suggested that Face ID could disappear altogether, with the selfie camera moving to a corner of the display.

That claim has been challenged by other sources, who argue Prosser may have misread the information. More consistent reports suggest Face ID components will shift under the display, possibly toward the left side, while the camera remains centered.

Leaks increasingly suggest that the apple iphone 18 pro max will introduce a dramatically smaller Dynamic Island, potentially enabled by moving some Face ID sensors beneath the display. While not a full transition to a seamless front screen, the change would represent a subtle but meaningful evolution in Apple’s design approach. As always, final confirmation will only come when Apple officially unveils the apple iphone 18 pro max.