According to Apple analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities, all four models of the iPhone 17 will feature metalens technology for Face ID, resulting in a smaller Dynamic Island. Pu has a reliable track record with Apple product rumors.
Pu’s information aligns with earlier claims made by the leaker known as Digital Chat Station, who stated that the iPhone 17 Pro Max would have a metalens for Face ID, consolidating transmitter and receiver components. This change would reduce the size of the Face ID components and lead to a smaller Dynamic Island on the device.
Building on his previous statements from October 2024, Pu mentioned that the 2025 iPhone 17 Pro Max would have a significantly reduced Dynamic Island due to Face ID enhancements.
While Pu initially suggested that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would feature a metalens for Face ID, he now believes that all models in the iPhone 17 lineup will adopt this technology. This includes the base model iPhone 17, the slim iPhone 17 Air, and the smaller iPhone 17 Pro.
There are differing opinions on the extent of the Dynamic Island size reduction. Ming-Chi Kuo, another reputable Apple analyst, stated that the Dynamic Island size in the iPhone 17 series would remain largely unchanged compared to the iPhone 16 models.
I expect the Dynamic Island size to remain largely unchanged across the 2H25 iPhone 17 series.
Apple introduced the Dynamic Island feature with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022, expanding it to all iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. While the iPhone 17 lineup may see a reduction in Dynamic Island size, rumors suggest that the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro models will feature under-screen Face ID technology.
Ross Young from Counterpoint Research indicated that the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will incorporate under-screen Face ID, based on information from OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander. This advancement may lead to a smaller front camera hole on the device.
These analysts and leakers have a strong track record with Apple-related information, but as always, it’s best to wait for official confirmation from Apple regarding any product details.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
