iPhone 18 Pro leak reveals a narrower Dynamic Island cutout

Key design changes

The leaked CAD renders show a visibly narrower Dynamic Island, even if it appears slightly taller. It’s not a big redesign, but a change users will notice immediately since the cutout sits front and centre on the display. The likely explanation could be internal rearrangement. Apple may have moved some Face ID or Touch ID-related components under the display, freeing up space and allowing the cutout to shrink. If accurate, this would be the first big refinement to the Dynamic Island since it debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro.

Beyond the front, the rest of the design changes appear more subtle but still telling:

• Refined rear panel: The back may move toward a more uniform finish, blending the aluminium frame and glass more seamlessly instead of the current two-tone look.
• Thicker camera bump: Dummy units suggest a more pronounced camera plateau, likely to accommodate upgraded imaging hardware, including a possible mechanical variable aperture system.
• Increased weight and thickness: The iPhone 18 Pro Max could get slightly thicker and heavier, reportedly crossing 240 gms, to fit a larger battery in the 5,100mAh – 5,200mAh range.

Overall, this looks less like a visual overhaul and more like Apple adjusting the physical design to support camera and battery upgrades, while keeping the design identity intact. Apple’s gradual move to shrink the Dynamic Island reflects a wider industry push toward uninterrupted, full-screen displays, though the company may continue to prioritise sensor accuracy over aggressively hiding hardware.

Rumoured colour options

Alongside the hardware tweaks, Apple is also said to be testing a refreshed set of finishes. These would replace last year’s Cosmic Orange with a mix of familiar and slightly more expressive tones:

• Dark Cherry: A deep burgundy shade expected to be the standout colour this year.
• Light Blue: A softer, muted option compared to brighter past blues.
• Dark Grey and Silver: Successors to Space Black and Natural Titanium-style finishes.
• Other possibilities: Early testing reportedly includes Coffee Brown and Deep Purple.

Apple’s colour strategy has typically balanced one standout shade with a few safe options, and this lineup appears to follow that pattern. Apple’s approach here is consistent. Rather than pushing a bold redesign every year, the company tends to iterate in smaller, visible ways. A smaller Dynamic Island, paired with camera and battery upgrades, is consistent with that strategy.

A smaller cutout and improved cameras will make the experience better, but not fundamentally different for buyers. While these are early leaks, they suggest that users prioritising a less intrusive display or significant camera upgrades might find the iPhone 18 Pro a compelling future option, but those content with current models may not see a revolutionary shift.