As most phones get bigger, the iPhone 17 is set to shrink a major Apple feature

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Quick overview

The dynamic island on the iPhone may be getting slimmer, according to recent reports.

However, it may only affect the Pro Max model.

Too many iPhone users, the continuous cycle of upgrades is something that happens almost habitually. Apple has created such a simple system that users can purchase a new device and within minutes have an experience virtually identical to the one they had on their previous handset.

For many users, this is a feature in itself. Still, the brand has brought some other technology to the market. Recently, the most notable addition is probably the dynamic island. It solved the front-facing camera problem by using a cutout paired with a software panel that displays various information to the user.

Now reports suggest that the next generation iPhone 17 could shrink the size of the dynamic island. The report from Jeff Pu (shared by 9to5Mac) states that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will introduce a “very narrowed Dynamic Island.”

It’s not entirely clear what that means, although we can assume that the pill shape will be slimmer from left to right. The slimmer profile is said to be the result of a new “clean of metal” technology used for the proximity sensor.

It comes after earlier reports about the iPhone 17 Slim, which also came via Jeff Pu. That suggested the device would be just 6mm thick, which would be a seriously impressive feat.

It’s worth noting that Pu seems to be specifying the Pro Max model when talking about the new Dynamic Island. While it may just be an oversight, such specific mention could mean that the new and improved feature should be reserved for Apple’s premium model.

That would come as no surprise. The brand has made a habit of it recently, using new features as a way to differentiate the vanilla and Pro tier handsets. Even Dynamic Island was Pro-only in its first year.

So while it could certainly be an exciting upgrade, don’t expect it to come cheap.