Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims Apple will bring the Dynamic Island pill-shaped camera cutout from iPhone 14 Pro to all four of the iPhone 15 models later this year.
It’s an interesting move that follows Apple’s pattern of introducing new hardware-dependant features on the higher-end iPhones then making them universal one or two generations later on more affordable models. This time, it could help normalize this unique notch alternative and make it easier for third-party apps to support it.
1. iPhone 15 Pro
The Dynamic Island cutout that Apple debuted on last year’s iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max is set to make its way across the entire iPhone 15 lineup, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. All models of the next-gen iPhones will have a punch-hole cutout that’s similar to the one on the Pro and Max, and it could show information like ongoing notifications, privacy indicators, music album art, and navigational directions.
While it’s a fresh design element, it’s also very useful, as it can display information in real-time based on what you’re doing, making it easier to multitask and get the most out of your device. For example, when you play music, a small bit of album art is displayed on the Island, as is a visual equalizer or the next action of a mapped route.
It’s a feature that can help boost the overall capabilities of the iPhone lineup, and it can also encourage developers to take advantage of this space and add their own features. However, it will be up to Apple to decide if they want to expand the use of this unique feature in the future.
2. iPhone 15 Plus
Apple is rumored to be planning to bring Dynamic Island to all iPhone 15 Models. This could mean that the notch won’t be a thing of the past for Apple phones anymore, and that the Dynamic Island cutout would be an integral part of iOS 16.
If you’re familiar with the feature, it’s an OLED display cutout in the top right corner of the screen that expands to show notifications like Face ID unlock, battery charging, AirPods, incoming calls, etc. In addition to that, small icons persist in the cutout area as a hub for shortcuts to apps that you’re using.
Apps that support Dynamic Island will automatically morph into the cutout to let you know when they’re updating in the background. That can be an important detail if you’re waiting for a food delivery order, a ride with a friend, or the score of a basketball game that’s in progress. Plus, it can help keep you on top of Live Activities, a new iOS 16 Lock screen feature that’s constantly updating with real-time information.
3. iPhone 15
If you’re in the market for a new iPhone, you might be pleased to learn that all four iPhone 15 models will get Apple’s Dynamic Island. The pill-shaped front-facing display cutout was introduced last year on the iPhone 14 Pro and has been a popular feature with consumers.
Specifically, Dynamic Island lets users view ongoing notifications and other information like AirDrop connections, music playing, timers, and directions from Maps, all through an expandable area surrounding the notch. It’s a big change from older notches and hole-punch cutouts, and it makes for a fresh and fun look.
According to MacRumors, the feature is expected to appear on all four upcoming iPhone 15 models next year. That’s good news for fans who want a taste of Apple’s Dynamic Island but don’t need all the Pro features it offers.
4. iPhone 15 Ultra
Apple’s Dynamic Island is a very unique design element that debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro last year. It’s intended to provide quick access to useful information like if AirPods are connected, the next action of a mapped route or what song is currently playing on Apple Music.
While the feature is currently exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro, it’s expected to make its way to all four of Apple’s upcoming devices later this year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, all four iPhone 15 models will get the Dynamic Island.
The Dynamic Island’s pill-shaped cutout can morph to show additional information, which could be helpful in real-world scenarios. For instance, if you’re running and want to see if you have time left in a stopwatch, the Dynamic Island will expand to display that info.
The rumor also suggests that Apple will introduce reverse wireless charging, a feature many Android phones already have. This would allow users to charge other devices using the back of their phone, and it could be very handy for AirPods users.