According to the Weibo insider Digital Chat Station, Apple’s upcoming flagship model in the iPhone 17 lineup will feature a smaller version of the Dynamic Island.

The insider suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will utilize a “metalens” technology for Face ID integration, combining the transmitter and receiver components into a more compact design. This advancement is expected to minimize both the size and thickness of the internal structures, leading to a reduced Dynamic Island on the new device. Additionally, this innovative technology is anticipated to feature in the next generation of iPad Pro and a rumored foldable iPad.

In contrast to conventional iPhone cameras that employ curved lenses to direct light toward the image sensor, a metalens is a cutting-edge flat lens featuring tiny nanostructures that accurately manage and focus light.

Conflicting Information

The latest leak contradicts a January statement from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who asserted that the iPhone 17 models would not showcase a smaller Dynamic Island. Kuo’s findings clash with earlier predictions by analyst Jeff Pu, who suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro Max would adopt metalens technology for Face ID, resulting in a significantly narrower Dynamic Island. Pu reiterated his claims multiple times and has a proven track record regarding Apple forecasts.

Digital Chat Station previously accurately predicted that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would sport a slightly smaller 48-megapixel sensor compared to their iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max counterparts. They also correctly identified the display panel design of the iPhone 12 in 2020.

The Dynamic Island feature was first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022 and has been included in all iPhone 15 and 16 variants without alterations in size. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September of this year.