Apple is testing a smaller Dynamic Island for the iPhone 18 Pro, but hardware constraints are proving stubborn. The company is running A/B tests on two front-panel designs, one maintaining the current layout while the other shrinks the cutout by moving some Face ID components beneath the display. This effort follows Apple's introduction of the Dynamic Island with iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, which already reduced the space needed for sensors.

Face ID's TrueDepth system projects thousands of invisible dots and captures infrared images for authentication, all processed in the Secure Enclave. Shrinking this system isn't just cosmetic—any compromise in speed or accuracy would undermine a core security feature used for payments, app logins, and system access. While Android phones have offered under-display cameras for years, these often sacrifice image quality, and Apple's challenge is more complex since Face ID must maintain perfect reliability.

This leak suggests Apple is pursuing a partial under-display solution rather than a complete redesign. The company typically favors gradual transitions, as seen when moving from the notch to the Dynamic Island. However, A/B testing is standard in Apple's development process, and prototypes often never reach production. A smaller cutout alone won't drive upgrades—Apple would need to pair it with meaningful improvements in cameras, chips, or software to make it a compelling selling point.