How to Use Dynamic Island On Your iPhone

Dynamic Island, introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, has improved screen interactivity by turning a pill-shaped cutout into a multifunctional hub.

The same feature has already arrived on iPhone 16 and you can try using it as soon as possible.

Dynamic Island on Your iPhone

Dynamic Island replaces the traditional iPhone notch, transforming it into a versatile, interactive space at the top of your screen.

Unlike static notches found in older iPhones or hole-punch cutouts in Android devices, this feature adapts dynamically to display system alerts, app controls, and live activities.

It serves as a seamless integration of hardware and software, housing the TrueDepth camera system while offering an ever-changing interface.

How Dynamic Island Works

Dynamic Island adjusts its size and shape based on active apps or notifications. It can expand into one of three primary forms:

Long Oval: Ideal for single-app displays like Apple Music, showing album art and playback controls.
Pop-Up Window: Offers detailed interactions, such as call information or playback settings.
Oval and Circle Combo: Useful for multitasking, like simultaneously running Apple Maps and a music app.

For example, when you're playing a song, the Dynamic Island can display album art and a waveform. Tap it to access the app or hold it for expanded controls.

Dynamic Island Features

Dynamic Island enhances your iPhone experience by offering real-time updates and controls for various apps and activities. Some of its standout features include:

System Alerts: Notifications for battery charging, AirDrop, and Face ID transactions.
Navigation: Turn-by-turn directions from Apple Maps or Google Maps.
Live Activities: Track Uber rides, food deliveries, and even sports scores.
Privacy Indicators: Visual cues when the microphone or camera is active.
Media Playback: Control music, podcasts, or videos without leaving the app.

Additional capabilities include showing timers, flight updates, screen recording durations, and transit card payments.

How To Use Dynamic Island

Dynamic Island is available on the iPhone 14 Pro and later models, appearing whenever your device is unlocked. Here's how you can interact with it:

Expand Details: Touch and hold the Dynamic Island or swipe outward to see more information.
Collapse the View: Swipe inward from either side to return to a smaller display.
Switch Activities: Swipe between active apps to toggle views effortlessly.

Dynamic Island won't let you down in staying informed without interrupting your workflow regardless if you're checking a Voice Memo recording, tracking AirDrop transfers, or following navigation.

Why Dynamic Island Excels Among iPhone Users

Dynamic Island isn't just a functional enhancement; it's also a design triumph that integrates seamlessly with iOS. By making previously static areas of the display interactive, Apple has set a new standard for smartphone innovation.

Unlike Android's approach to minimizing screen interruptions, Dynamic Island embraces the necessary hardware cutouts and turns them into a feature, offering both utility and style.

Available on iPhone 14 Pro and later models, this innovative feature transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary—yet another example of Apple's dedication to improving users' experience.

By next year, we have yet to see a new surprise for the iPhone maker. We never know at this point what kind of functionality we will see a few months from now.