Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series — comprising the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — might not feature significant changes to the Dynamic Island design, according to a recent analysis by Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities International. This revelation contradicts earlier reports suggesting a smaller or redesigned Dynamic Island. Instead, Apple is reportedly focusing on incremental improvements for the 2025 iPhone lineup.
Dynamic Island: No Major Changes Expected
Dynamic Island, introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro lineup, houses key components such as the selfie camera and Face ID sensors. Despite rumors of a smaller implementation or the use of under-display technology, Kuo claims that the size of the Dynamic Island will remain “largely unchanged” across the iPhone 17 series. His post on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that any significant redesign is unlikely for this generation.
This prediction contrasts with previous claims by Jeff Pu of Haitong International Tech Research, who suggested in July 2024 that Apple might use “metalens” technology for the proximity sensor on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, potentially reducing the size of the Dynamic Island.
Apple’s History of Incremental Design Changes
Apple has a history of gradually refining its smartphone designs. For instance, the iPhone 13 series featured a smaller notch a year before the Dynamic Island was introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro models. However, it now appears that users might need to wait until 2026 or later to see significant advancements, such as under-display sensors that eliminate the need for the Dynamic Island.
What’s New in the iPhone 17 Series?
While the Dynamic Island design might remain unchanged, Apple is likely to include other upgrades in the iPhone 17 lineup. According to leaked reports:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Expected to feature enhanced camera capabilities and improved battery performance.
- iPhone 17 Air: Speculated to target lightweight and slim form factors, potentially competing with designs from Xiaomi and Vivo.
- Under-Display Innovations: Although not arriving with the iPhone 17 series, Apple’s long-term plans reportedly involve moving Face ID and other sensors beneath the display for a seamless screen experience.
Analyst Track Record: Kuo vs. Pu
Ming-Chi Kuo has built a reputation as a reliable source for Apple predictions, often based on insider supply chain insights. His claim directly challenges Jeff Pu’s prediction regarding the use of metalens technology, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Apple’s future design plans.
Looking Ahead: Apple SE and Beyond
While the iPhone 17 series might see limited design innovation, other devices in Apple’s lineup are expected to incorporate Dynamic Island. The rumored iPhone SE 4, for instance, is tipped to adopt the feature, moving away from the older display notch design. This entry-level model could also receive significant upgrades in its processor, camera, and overall design.