Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Pro models, expected in early 2027 as part of the iPhone 20 series, will undergo a major redesign but won’t drop the Dynamic Island cutout, according to recent leaks.
What’s Changing (and What’s Staying)
The redesign rumor mill has been busy: leakers suggest Apple intends to roll out a “quad-curved display” that wraps around all edges for a sleeker, bezel-free aesthetic. This would be one of the most significant visual changes since the Dynamic Island was introduced. However, earlier speculation that Apple might remove all display cutouts to achieve a completely seamless front face appears to have been premature. The Dynamic Island will reportedly remain. That means the front-facing notch or cutouts that house Face ID sensors and other components are here to stay—for now.
Model Lineup and Timing
The upcoming lineup is expected to include three versions: the iPhone 18e, iPhone 18, and iPhone Air 2. Only the Pro models are believed to get the more premium, curved display treatment. While precise details about changes in size for the Dynamic Island haven’t been confirmed, most leaks suggest the sensors and Face ID components will continue, so retaining a cutout seems necessary.
Apple intends this redesign to be part of the brand’s 20th anniversary celebration. Given that milestone, there may also be attention to high-end materials, finishes, or other aesthetic updates, though current leaks focus mostly on screen design. These changes seem to aim at refining design language rather than overhauling it entirely.
Why Dynamic Island Lives On
Dynamic Island has become a defining part of Apple’s current flagship experience, integrating interactive notifications and system functions into the display cutout rather than letting it fade into an unsightly “notch.” Completely removing it would require radical redesigns of sensor placement and display engineering—actions that carry risk. Maintaining the Dynamic Island keeps continuity in user interface and avoids complications tied to Face ID’s hardware demands.
Early renders and rumors had raised hopes for a fully hole-free display, with cameras and sensors under the glass themselves. But with the new information from trusted leakers, it’s now believed that Apple is holding those ambitions off—either due to technical constraints or prioritizing other aspects of display refinement ahead of full invisibility.
This update doesn’t mean Apple is playing it safe: the quad-curved edges are still a bold move. If executed well, they can reshape how users perceive screen space, bezel thinness, and immersion. However, they also increase manufacturing complexity and potential durability challenges.
What to Watch Next
As we move toward the expected release in fall 2027, the key things to keep an eye on include precise measurements of the Dynamic Island’s size (will it shrink?), the durability of a display that curves around every edge, and whether all Pro models get these display upgrades. Also important: how much Apple chooses to market the anniversary angle, and whether this redesign coincides with hardware or software shifts (camera system, battery, chipset) to match the new look.
Even though a cutout-free display won’t arrive with the next Pro models, the combination of quad-curved glass and refined presentation suggests Apple still aims to push its design envelope. It’s not revolution, but it could translate into one of the most visually striking iPhones yet—if Apple nails the craftsmanship.
