iPhone 17 Pro Max May Feature a Smaller Dynamic Island with New Metalens Tech

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a smaller Dynamic Island using advanced metalens technology, allowing for a more compact Face ID system. This change could make the Pro Max stand out from other models in the lineup. Reports suggest Apple may also integrate metalens tech into future iPads, including a rumored foldable model. However, analysts are divided, with some claiming the design will remain unchanged.

iPhone 17 Pro Max May Feature a Smaller Dynamic Island with New Metalens Tech

Apple is reportedly planning a significant design change for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with leaks suggesting that the device could feature a smaller Dynamic Island. This reduction in size may be achieved through the implementation of metalens technology, which could allow Apple to shrink the Face ID components while maintaining their functionality.

The Dynamic Island, introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro models as a replacement for the traditional notch, currently houses the front camera and Face ID sensors while also serving as an interactive space for notifications and alerts. Since the iPhone 15 series, all models have adopted this design. However, according to Digital Chat Station, Apple aims to differentiate the iPhone 17 Pro Max by making its Dynamic Island more compact, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are expected to retain the existing size.

Metalens technology utilizes ultra-thin, flat lenses with microscopic nanostructures to manipulate and focus light. Reports indicate that Apple may extend this innovation beyond iPhones, potentially incorporating it into future iPads, including the next-generation iPad Pro and a rumored foldable iPad. However, the exact timeline for these developments remains uncertain, with the upcoming iPad Pro—expected later this year—unlikely to include this change due to its recent redesign.

Aside from the Dynamic Island modification, Apple is also rumored to be making other design adjustments to the iPhone 17 Pro models, particularly on the rear. Some leaks suggest a shift to a bar-style camera module, which could help Apple enhance its competitiveness in key markets like China, where sales have faced challenges.

While the prospect of a smaller Dynamic Island is intriguing, industry experts are divided on its likelihood. Notably, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has refuted these claims, suggesting that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will retain its current design. Meanwhile, Jeff Pu, another well-regarded source, supports the idea that Apple could use metalens technology to reduce the size of key components.

Apple is reportedly planning a significant design change for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with leaks suggesting that the device could feature a smaller Dynamic Island. This reduction in size may be achieved through the implementation of metalens technology, which could allow Apple to shrink the Face ID components while maintaining their functionality. The shift to a smaller Dynamic Island would mark a major design refinement and set the Pro Max apart from the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.

The Dynamic Island, first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro models as a replacement for the traditional notch, has become a defining feature of Apple’s recent iPhones. It houses the front camera and Face ID sensors while serving as an interactive hub for alerts and live activities. Since the iPhone 15 series, all models have incorporated the Dynamic Island design. However, according to a report from Digital Chat Station, Apple is now looking to differentiate the iPhone 17 Pro Max by reducing the size of the cutout, while the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are expected to retain the current Dynamic Island dimensions.

Metalens technology, which enables this change, utilizes ultra-thin, flat lenses with microscopic nanostructures to manipulate and focus light. This innovation could significantly reduce the space needed for Face ID components without compromising security or performance. Reports indicate that Apple may extend this technology beyond iPhones, potentially incorporating it into future iPads, including the next-generation iPad Pro and a rumored foldable iPad. However, the timeline for these developments remains uncertain. The upcoming iPad Pro, expected later this year, is unlikely to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, as it recently underwent a major redesign.

In addition to the Dynamic Island modification, Apple is rumored to be making further design adjustments to the iPhone 17 Pro models, particularly regarding the rear camera system. Leaks suggest Apple might introduce a bar-style camera module, shifting away from the current separate-lens arrangement. This move could provide better aesthetic consistency and potentially improve camera performance by allowing for more internal space for new imaging technologies. A redesigned camera island could also help Apple differentiate its devices further, especially in competitive markets like China, where iPhone sales have been facing increased pressure from local brands.

Despite the excitement surrounding these potential design changes, industry analysts remain divided on whether the iPhone 17 Pro Max will actually feature a smaller Dynamic Island. Notably, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has dismissed these claims, suggesting that Apple will maintain the current design language for at least another generation. On the other hand, analyst Jeff Pu supports the idea that metalens technology could allow for more compact Face ID components, making a smaller Dynamic Island possible.

While it remains to be seen which leaks prove accurate, the potential adoption of metalens technology represents a significant step forward for Apple’s device design. If implemented, it could pave the way for further advancements in display integration, potentially leading to an eventual all-screen design with under-display Face ID and camera components. Whether these changes arrive with the iPhone 17 Pro Max or a later model, Apple’s continued refinement of its hardware design signals its ongoing pursuit of innovation in the smartphone industry.