The iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to bring a significant design change with a smaller Dynamic Island, thanks to the adoption of advanced metalens technology for Face ID components.
According to a new report from Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is working on shrinking the front-facing camera cutout by integrating the transmitter and receiver components of Face ID into a single, compact system. This innovation is made possible through metalens technology, which uses ultra-thin, flat lenses with microscopic nano-structures that manipulate light with extreme precision.
Unlike traditional lenses that rely on curved glass elements, metalenses can control the phase, amplitude, and polarization of light through nanoscale structures made from materials like titanium dioxide or silicon. This allows Apple to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island while maintaining the performance and accuracy of Face ID. A smaller cutout will move the iPhone closer to the long-awaited “all-screen” dream, enhancing the immersive experience for users.
Interestingly, the smaller Dynamic Island is reportedly exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup retaining the same size as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. This mirrors Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which was the only model to receive the advanced tetraprism lens for 5x optical zoom. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed that the iPhone 17 lineup would not see changes to the Dynamic Island size. However, this new report suggests that Apple might make an exception for its largest and most premium model.
The same report indicates that metalens Face ID technology might also find its way into future iPad Pro models and the long-rumored foldable iPad, expected to launch in 2026 or 2027. While no current iPad models feature Dynamic Island, this change could mark the beginning of a new design direction across Apple’s devices. Apple has been working toward placing Face ID components under the display, eliminating the need for any visible cutout.
Display analyst Ross Young predicted that this shift might debut with the iPhone 18 series, but the exact timeline remains uncertain. The introduction of metalens technology is a crucial step toward that goal, as it reduces the hardware footprint without compromising performance.
Beyond the Dynamic Island redesign, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature a 48MP telephoto camera for improved zoom capabilities, a thinner and lighter design compared to previous models, enhanced cooling systems for better performance during intensive tasks, and a 24MP front-facing camera for sharper selfies and video calls.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, with the Pro Max model likely positioned as the most advanced and expensive option. As with all rumors, these reports should be taken with caution until official announcements are made. However, the potential shift to metalens technology indicates that Apple is continuing its push toward a more streamlined, immersive display experience.
(via Weibo)
