What Is Dynamic Island?
Dynamic Island is a new feature that was introduced with iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, designed to enhance the user interface experience. Located at the top of the screen, the Dynamic Island replaces the notch in older Face ID iPhones and is an interactive area that changes size and shape to display important notifications, alerts, and real-time activities. Unlike the traditional static notch, the Dynamic Island dynamically adapts to show relevant information, such as incoming calls, music playback controls, and Face ID authentication.
Which iPhone Models Have Dynamic Island?
Dynamic Island is available on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, introduced in 2023. It is also available across the iPhone 15 lineup, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It replaces the notch that was on older iPhone models such as iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, and iPhone X.
How It Works
It works by using advanced software integration with the iPhone’s display hardware. Dynamic Island utilises the area around the front camera and Face ID sensors, transforming the traditionally unused space into a functional and interactive part of the screen. The Dynamic Island expands and contracts to show different types of information, blending seamlessly with the surrounding screen content.
How To Use It
Using Dynamic Island is intuitive and easy. When a notification or alert is triggered, the Dynamic Island will automatically expand to show the relevant information. For example, if you receive a call, the Dynamic Island will display the caller’s information and provide options to answer or decline the call. Music playback controls will also appear when you start playing a song, allowing you to pause, play, or skip tracks directly from the Dynamic Island.
Set Up Face ID
You can also use Face ID with face masks if you use iPhone 12 or later with iOS 15.4 and later. Face ID works best when your iPhone is approximately 25-50 centimetres from your face. If Face ID isn’t working on your iPhone, learn more here.
- Go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode. If asked, enter your passcode. If you didn’t set a passcode, you’ll be asked to create one to use as an alternative way to unlock your iPhone.
- Tap Set Up Face ID.
- Hold your device in portrait orientation, position your face in front of your device, then tap Get Started.
- Position your face inside the frame and gently move your head to complete the circle. If you’re unable to move your head, you can tap Accessibility Options.
- When you finish the first Face ID scan, tap Continue.
- Gently move your head to complete the circle for a second time.
- Tap Done.
Notch Vs Dynamic Island
Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 models replace the traditional notch that has been present in iPhone since the iPhone X. The static notch housed the front camera and Face ID sensor array but did not provide any interactive features.
The iPhone 13 series also made the notch 20% smaller than previous iPhone 12 and older models, a noticeable difference. The Dynamic Island makes it smaller still and adds more features and usability for users.
