Apple plans to equip its upcoming iPhone 15 series with Dynamic Island to unify the notches at the top of the display. However, one important change that was not present in the iPhone 14 Pro is the integration of the proximity sensor into the Dynamic Island.
The proximity sensor in the iPhone is an important component that turns off the display when the user puts the phone to their ear. In the iPhone 15 series, the proximity sensor will be integrated into the Dynamic Island, which is a change in components. According to a tweet by Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the proximity sensor in the iPhone 15 series will be integrated into the Dynamic Island instead of being located underneath it. So writes Kuo:
iPhone 15: Dynamic Island with optimized functionality thanks to proximity sensor
On the iPhone 14 Pro, the proximity sensor is located under the display (outside the Dynamic Island). On the iPhone 15 series, however, the proximity sensor is located inside the Dynamic Island without changing the area of the Dynamic Island.
This change may have been made for cost reasons or to improve the functionality of Face ID. The proximity sensor detects when the phone is held to the ear and turns off the display. Finisar, Apple's supplier, is expected to supply proximity sensors with a wavelength of 940 nm for the iPhone 15, as opposed to the 1380 nm for the iPhone 14 Pro. The integration of the proximity sensor into the iPhone 15's Dynamic Island is a major change. While the change is unlikely to change the look or functionality of the Dynamic Island, it will provide better performance of the proximity sensor and potentially improve the functionality of Face ID as well. (Photo by Unsplash / Lucas Hoang)