Ever since Apple introduced the new lineup of the ‘Pro’ phones for iPhone 14, the tech world has gone wild for several reasons. However, one of the biggest reasons for this attention is the new iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island. Effectively, the Dynamic Island is a redesigned notch that integrates perfectly with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max’s screens. Apart from this, it’s also wholly interactive. This relatively new technology allows the new pill-shaped notch to display more information. As we know, most notches in smartphones house the selfie shooters and other essential sensors, such as the proximity sensor. With the Dynamic Island, Apple is pushing for something new.
If you’ve been wondering about what the Dynamic Island is and how it works, we’re here to help. This article will give you plenty of insight into how this new iPhone 14 feature works and what it could mean for future generations of smartphones.
Also read: Everything About iPhone 14 Pro – Here’s What You Need To Know
What is Dynamic Island?
The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout. It’s placed at the top of the screens of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. While this cutout also houses the front camera, IR sensors, and proximity sensor, Apple has allowed its shape to be ‘dynamic’. Basically, the Dynamic Island is now used for displaying information such as notifications and can be interacted with based on the app that you’re using. However, while it may seem like the cutout itself is physically expanding, it’s not. Apple has designed the cutout to work together with iOS 16 to expand the cutout by blacking out the pixels. This effectively creates the illusion that the cutout itself is physically expanding.
For example, if you’re paying through UPI apps and need FaceID to access the app, the Dynamic Island will convert into a box-shaped cutout that houses the FaceID confirmation icon. It could also expand horizontally to include more on-screen information when you’re making or taking a phone call. It also includes the background tasks that you can return to and switch between different tasks when using your phone.
Also read: 5 Apple iPhone 14 Pro Unique Features That Will Blow Your Mind!
Uses of the Dynamic Island
While we’ve already listed a few examples of the Dynamic Island’s uses, there are other functions of it as well. Let’s take a look at some of them below:
- It will display the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) if you’re using apps such as Uber, Ola, Rapido, or InDriver.
- Changes the shape to facilitate FaceID when you’re paying through UPI apps.
- Shows the phone icon and the call length when you’re making or receiving calls.
- It can keep track of cricket or football scores, based on your interests.
- You can also access the music player through the Dynamic Island.
- Shows you the stopwatch and interval timer.
- Musical interfaces such as waveform and the remaining time for songs can also be shown.
- Privacy indicators will be shown on the Dynamic Island when you’re on a voice or video call.
- The battery percentage and charging status indicators will also be shown through the Dynamic Island.
- Accessories such as earphones, their connection status, and their battery life (if wireless) will be shown.
As you can see from the above list, the Dynamic Island is quite a powerhouse addition to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Overall, this is a key feature to increase productivity through the smartphone.
Phones with Dynamic Island
At the moment, the Dynamic Island is a feature that’s only available on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Although this interactive cutout can be brought into older iPhone lineups, such as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series, we doubt that Apple would integrate this feature. The Dynamic Island is seen as a premium feature, which is why it’s only been included in the ultra-premium iPhone 14 models.
However, you could expect this feature to become a staple in newer iPhone models, such as next year’s iPhone 15. Moreover, Apple is allowing this feature to be implemented by third-party app developers. Considering this fact, the complete reintegration of this feature into older iPhones will be a hassle.
Also read: Everything You Need To Know About iPhone 14
Is this better than the usual punch-hole cutouts?
This is quite a debatable question, and will ultimately boil down to what you prefer. The iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island is, at the end of the day, a notch. This implies that you will not get to utilise the entire screen area on the phone. Moreover, since the Dynamic Island expands for notifications, it could become a slight issue if you’re watching movies or playing games. It’ll be interesting to see how Apple addresses this. So, be on the lookout for the iPhone 14 Pro series reviews before you buy the phone. This is especially pertinent if you prefer having a larger screen space.
Another major issue with the Dynamic Island could be the fact that it’s interactive. This interactivity has plenty of advantages, that’s for sure. Nonetheless, since it’s interactive, you’ll probably be touching the cutout far more than you do in your current iPhone. Moreover, it’s not possible to have our fingers clean at all times. So, you’ll have to deal with smudges on the front camera far more often. Furthermore, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a large display of 6.7-inches. This might make it difficult for many users to reach the screen’s top, especially when being used with a single hand. Nonetheless, considering the advantages of the iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island, we doubt too many people will be bothered by these issues.
Also read: Apple iPhone 14 Release Date In India: Here’s What You Should Know!
Summing up
Hopefully, with this article, you’ve gained a better understanding of the iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island. Although this is a remarkable new feature for the latest iPhones, and is a leap in smartphone design, it does come with some issues. Regardless, we believe that Apple’s embrace of the front camera notch and their workaround will be pretty effective in the long run. Expect newer entries to the iPhone ecosystem to fully utilise the Dynamic Island. There’s even a slight chance of Android smartphone makers replicating this technology with their unique spin on it. Only time will tell us how the Dynamic Island will mature and influence future smartphone designs.
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