Apple Investigated iPhone Notch and Dynamic Island Designs

Apple debuted the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022. This expandable and morphing island can show sports scores, system alerts, and other information. 

Comparing the functionality to the notch on previous iPhone models, it makes the space around the Face ID and front camera sensors useable.

According to information received by MacRumors, Apple experimented with many designs for the iPhone's notch region over the years before settling on the present Dynamic Island layout.

Apple explored notch and dynamic island designs for iPhones

Before Dynamic Island, Apple experimented with a popover menu on the right side of the screen that would have given customers instant access to the time, battery life, volume, brightness, and strength of the Wi-Fi and cellular signals. 

When not in use, the menu vanishes and effectively has the appearance of a second notch.

Apple also thought about disguising the notch by covering the top portion of the screen with an all-black status bar. 

This approach would have reduced battery life since OLED screens depict black by turning off individual pixels.

Later, Apple developed the concept of the Dynamic Island and experimented with several alternative designs.

While it still sells the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus with a notch, Apple has recently extended the Dynamic Island to all iPhone 15 models. 

It may ultimately decide to relocate the Face ID sensors and front camera on the iPhone under the display, according to rumors, although this change won't likely happen until at least next year.

Read more: Apple Says iPhone 15 Series Batteries Last Longer