Technology analyst Jeff Pu suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a 'much narrower' Dynamic Island than its predecessors, such as the iPhone 16 Pro. This reiterates information that Pu first shared in May this year.
According to the analyst, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will adopt a 'metalens' for Face ID, which would result in a 'much narrower' Dynamic Island. For those curious, the 'metalens' is a thin, flat lens with microscopic patterns etched onto it, allowing it to focus light more precisely compared to the standard curved lenses of an iPhone. Unfortunately, Pu does not explain how Apple plans to implement this technology.
Apple introduced the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro models, replacing the notch. Since then, the pill-shaped cutout has remained the same size across all models in the iPhone 15 and 16 lineups. If true, a narrower Dynamic Island would offer a refreshed look for the successor to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
According to a previous report, the iPhone 17 Pro models may get notable zoom camera improvements. A recent report from The Elec also suggests that Apple could use the Watch Series 10's LTPO3 display technology for future iPhones. While LTPO2 technology utilizes oxide for two switching TFTs, LTPO3 goes a step further by incorporating oxide into the driving TFT as well.
LTPO3 allows displays to dynamically switch between refresh rates without the need for an additional component between the graphics controller and the GPU. As a result, LTPO3 panels consume less power than LTPO2 panels, even though both can reach as low as 1Hz.
This new display tech is also expected to offer improved viewing angles for future iPhones. For those interested in numbers, the Watch Series 10 (which uses LTPO3) is 40% brighter when viewed off-angle compared to its predecessor, which uses an LTPO2 display.
The improved power efficiency of LTPO3 technology could translate to longer battery life compared to iPhones with older display tech. However, the report does not specify when Apple might begin incorporating this new display technology into its iPhone lineup.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature the A19 Pro chip. It utilizes TSMC's 3nm process node and is likely to deliver better energy efficiency, faster processing, and improved overall performance.