The iPhone 16 has just been released, in all its forms (Plus, Pro, Pro Max), so it’s time to look ahead to what’s next, namely the iPhone 17. While new features have been sparse this year, Apple is preparing a more profound evolution in 2025. In addition to a very thin Air model and 120 Hz on all models, the manufacturer should also reduce the Dynamic Island.
In an image shared by Majin Buwe can observe the visual evolution of the Dynamic Island introduced by Apple starting with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, as well as its more recent versions on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro (expected in 2025). A story that finally began in 2017, then the iPhone X and its notch.
iPhone X (2017) notch
To put this development into context, the iPhone X, released in 2017, was the first iPhone to introduce thenotch at the top of the screen. This notch housed the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors needed for facial recognition, but it was much wider and more intrusive than the Dynamic IslandThe notch marked a departure in iPhone design, but was criticized for its bulkiness.
iPhone 14 Pro (2022)
The iPhone 14 Pro is the first to introduce the Dynamic Islandwhich replaces the traditional notch present since the iPhone X (2017). This new “pill” shape is smaller and interactive: it adapts according to notifications or applications in progress, such as calls, music, or background task management. However, it remains quite similar in terms of size and shape to the notches that we knew, still occupying a visible part of the screen.
iPhone 15 Pro (2023)
On the iPhone 15 Pro, the Dynamic Island remains visually very close to that of the iPhone 14 Pro. However, the edges of the screen seem slightly refined, which offers better visual integration. Although technological improvements have been made in the background (optimized animations, better responsiveness), the appearance of the pill remains similar to the first iteration.
iPhone 16 Pro (2024)
With the iPhone 16 Pro, the Dynamic Island seems even more discreet. The outline of the pill appears thinner, with a better integration into the screen. But it is the refined edges around the screen that give this impression. Apple has taken the same component.
iPhone 17 Pro (2025)
The iPhone 17 Pro, while still in development, is expected to continue this trend of shrinking and deeper integration of the Dynamic Island. The pill almost appears to merge with the screen, indicating a possible evolution towards a future generation of iPhones where the pill could be even more discreet, or even disappear completely in favor of a sensor directly under the screen. Rumors spoke of a Face ID under the screen as early as 2025, but the calendar would have slipped by at least a year, if not two.
So Apple has gradually moved from the massive notch of the iPhone X to a Dynamic Island smaller and more functional, seeking to minimize the space needed for sensors while improving the user experience. Who expects a change at this level to change their iPhone?