--- title: "Apple Prepares iPhone with Shorter and Wider Screen: The End of the Tall Display Era" description: "Apple is developing an iPhone with a shorter and wider screen: the aspect ratio may change from 19.5:9 to 18:9 or 2:1, and the Dynamic Island could become a compact circular hole. Development is at an early stage." date: 2026-11-10T08:24:04.546Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/apple-iphone-shorter-wider-screen-new-form-factor tags: [apple, iphone, display, form-factor, dynamic-island, smartphone-design] author: "Alexander Buran, Roman V." publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Apple Prepares iPhone with Shorter and Wider Screen: The End of the Tall Display Era ![Two new iPhone smartphones in a pinkish casing with turned-on screens on a reflective surface](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/10/apple-iphone-korotkiy-shirokiy-ekran-novyy-form-faktor/apple-iphone-korotkiy-shirokiy-ekran-novyy-form-faktor-1.webp) ## Key Points - Apple is developing an iPhone retaining the width of the iPhone 18 Pro but with a noticeably shorter screen - The aspect ratio may change from 19.5:9 to 18:9 or 2:1 to improve one-handed usability - The Dynamic Island is planned to be made more compact or moved entirely under the display - Development is at an early stage, and specifications may still change Apple, according to insiders, is developing a fundamentally new iPhone form factor that could bring an end to the long-standing trend of growing and elongated displays. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine citing insider Instant Digital, who publishes information on the Chinese social network Weibo. According to the leak, the future model will retain the width of the current iPhone 18 Pro but feature a noticeably shorter screen, which will radically alter the smartphone's body proportions. ### From 19.5:9 to 18:9: Returning to Ergonomics For nearly two decades, since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple's smartphone displays have steadily grown in size and become increasingly elongated. Current models use a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, which makes the device convenient for viewing content but difficult to operate with one hand. According to the source, Apple is considering a transition to an 18:9 or even 2:1 aspect ratio. Such a move will allow the user to reach any point on the screen with their thumb without needing to readjust their grip, while also removing the awkward, "tablet-like" body feel that is uncomfortable to hold while walking or on public transport. ### Will Dynamic Island Become a Thing of the Past? A key technological requirement for realizing the new form factor will be the reduction of the front-panel cutout. According to insiders, Apple plans to make the Dynamic Island significantly more compact — down to a small circular hole. An alternative scenario involves completely moving the front sensors and camera under the AMOLED display layer if under-display camera technology achieves sufficient image quality. Additionally, the company is considering merging the status bar with the upper app navigation bar, which will preserve almost all usable screen area for content despite the reduced screen height. ### Early Stage: Specifications May Still Change It is important to emphasize that, according to the sources, device development is at an early stage. This means that final dimensions, the exact aspect ratio, and the configuration of the front modules may still be revised. Apple traditionally does not comment on rumors about future products prior to official announcements, so until confirmed by the company, all details should be treated as insider information with caveats. ### Context: The Industry is Experimenting with Proportions Apple's initiative is not isolated. Major smartphone manufacturers — Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and others — are increasingly experimenting with non-standard screen proportions, offering models with 21:9, 20:9, and even 16:10 aspect ratios. However, as Instant Digital notes, such formats are primarily used in large devices with a diagonal of 6.5 inches or more, whereas elongated proportions dominate the compact smartphone segment. If Apple actually releases an iPhone with an 18:9 or 2:1 ratio, it will be the largest market player's first mass step toward a "square" form factor in the compact segment, which could trigger a new round of competition for ergonomics. Apple has not provided an official comment on this matter at the time of publication. The company's next major event, where details of future devices may be revealed, is traditionally expected in September 2027. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [iPhone могут стать короче и шире: Apple готовит неожиданное изменение экранов](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/iphone-mozhut-stati-korotshimi-y-shirshimi-1794297387.html) - The sole source is based on an Instant Digital leak on Weibo. Apple has not commented. Early stage of development. Facts do not contradict each other, but are not officially confirmed. ## FAQ ### What exact screen changes is Apple planning for the iPhone? According to insiders, Apple is considering keeping the width of the iPhone 18 Pro while reducing screen height. The aspect ratio may change from the current 19.5:9 to 18:9 or 2:1, making the device shorter and easier to operate with one hand. ### What will happen to the Dynamic Island in the new iPhone? Apple plans to make the Dynamic Island more compact — down to a small circular cutout. An alternative option is moving the front sensors and camera under the AMOLED display layer if under-display camera technology provides sufficient quality. ### When can such an iPhone be expected? Development is at an early stage, and exact timelines have not been announced. Apple traditionally announces new iPhones in September, making September 2027 the most likely timeframe, though specifications may still change. ### Has Apple officially confirmed these plans? No, Apple has not commented on this information. The information comes from insider Instant Digital on Weibo and was reported via RBC-Ukraine. Until an official announcement, all specifications should be treated as an insider leak.