Apple’s introduction of the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max – and now extending into the iPhone 15 series – marks a bold leap in smartphone design and functionality. But what exactly is the Dynamic Island, and why should you care? Let’s take a closer look at this innovative feature and how it enhances the iPhone experience.

What is the Dynamic Island?

The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout at the top of the iPhone’s display, but it’s far more than just a clever design choice. While it houses the TrueDepth camera system and Face ID sensors from a hardware perspective, the real magic lies in its dynamic functionality. Unlike the static notches of the past, the Dynamic Island can change shape and size to present useful information relevant to your current activities. It’s a seamless blend of form and function that not only maximises screen real estate but also improves usability.

How Does the Dynamic Island Work?

One of the standout features of the Dynamic Island is its adaptability. Depending on what you're doing, the Dynamic Island will resize and reshape itself to provide contextual information and controls. For instance, when receiving a call, it expands to display the caller’s name and number along with quick access to call controls. When you're on a call, it stretches to show the call duration and audio waveforms.
The Dynamic Island when receiving and making calls.

Beyond calls, the Dynamic Island integrates smoothly with third-party apps, offering notifications and live updates on everything from food delivery statuses to weather forecasts and flight tracking. And yes, for those who love a bit of fun, you can even host a digital 'pixel pet' within the Dynamic Island! However, not all apps support this feature yet, so it’s wise to check compatibility with app developers.
iPhone 15 phones in-store.

Which iPhone Features Work with the Dynamic Island?

While Apple hasn’t published an official list of supported features, here are some of the key Apple stock apps and system functions known to work with the Dynamic Island:

  • Calls: Incoming and outgoing call notifications with quick controls.

  • AirPods: Connection status and battery information.

  • Face ID: Authentication animations and prompts.

  • Apple Pay & Wallet: Transaction confirmations and card information.

  • CarKey & AirDrop: Status updates and transfer information.

  • Device Management: Low battery alerts, charging status, and silent switch indications.

  • NFC & AirPlay: Interaction prompts and streaming status.

  • System Alerts: Airplane mode, SIM card alerts, and accessory connections.

  • Find My: Tracking information for devices and items.

  • Media & Navigation: Apple Music, Apple Maps, SharePlay, music playback controls, and map directions.

  • Utilities: Timers, voice memos, screen recording, personal hotspot status, and microphone/camera indicators.

What’s Next for the Dynamic Island?

As Apple continues to refine iOS and expand its ecosystem, it’s likely we’ll see even more features and app integrations taking advantage of the Dynamic Island. Whether it’s deeper app integration, smarter notifications, or entirely new use cases, the future looks bright for this innovative design element.

In short, the Dynamic Island isn’t just another notch – it’s a dynamic and interactive tool that enhances the everyday iPhone experience. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an everyday user, it offers a fresh, efficient, and elegant approach to accessing information and managing tasks on your phone.

Stay tuned as Apple and app developers continue to push the boundaries of what the Dynamic Island can do!