The release of the iPhone 16 series is now six months in the past, which means attention has already shifted to the next generation of devices. Significant changes are expected in the iPhone 17 lineup, including a refreshed design and updated camera technology. The anticipated iPhone 17 Slim (or Air) is also generating buzz as Apple’s potential new ultra-premium device. New details have emerged about the iPhone 17 Pro Max, specifically regarding its Dynamic Island.
Reportedly, Apple’s upcoming Pro Max model might implement a new “metalens” technology for Face ID. According to sources, this technology would combine the transmitter and receiver components into a single unit. This integration would decrease the physical space required for the Face ID system at the top of the iPhone, which in turn would allow for a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
This metalens tech would function as an optical lens with microscopic nano-structures, manipulating light in ways that current curved lenses cannot. The size reduction is due to the optical lens itself, which is both lightweight and flat.
The new Face ID technology is also expected to be integrated into the next iPad Pro models, including a potential “folding iPad.” This could be related to Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, although there haven’t been any recent updates about it.
Ultimately, Apple could be planning to move all Face ID technology under the display, similar to front cameras on phones like Samsung’s Z Fold 6. However, this transition might take several years to achieve.
If these reports are accurate, it would represent the first change to the Dynamic Island in three years. The display cutout has remained essentially the same since its introduction on the iPhone 14 Pro.
The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to share the same aluminum frame as the standard versions. Their cameras will likely feature a similar design, with a rectangular camera bump on an aluminum casing. A major camera upgrade is expected, with all three lenses featuring 48MP sensors.
The integration of metalens technology could significantly reduce the size of the Dynamic Island. This change, along with the potential for under-display Face ID in the future, shows Apple’s continued efforts to refine its device designs.