Guide to Using Dynamic Island Features on iPhone

With the introduction of the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple transformed the traditional notch into an innovative feature known as the Dynamic Island. This interactive area is now available on a wider range of iPhone models, including non-Pro variants, offering users new methods to engage with their devices. Read on to learn how to fully utilize this unique feature.

Understanding Dynamic Island

The Dynamic Island is an innovative synthesis of software and hardware, leveraging a technology called sub-pixel anti-aliasing. This technology allows for a special interface that displays essential information related to your iPhone activities.

Essentially, Apple has cleverly integrated the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors into a pill-shaped part of the screen, enhancing functionality while maintaining a sleek appearance.

Dynamic Island on latest iPhone 16 models. — Image source: Apple

Serving as a dynamic user interface overlay, the Dynamic Island showcases contextual notifications and ongoing activities, providing a visual indicator for tasks such as Apple Maps directions or AirDrop transfers, thereby enhancing multitasking efficiency on the iPhone.

Supported iPhone Models

The Dynamic Island feature first appeared with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max.

It has since expanded its availability to include these additional models:

iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max

Interacting with Dynamic Island

Dynamic Island provides a seamless experience for various tasks, including setting timers, answering phone calls, using Apple Pay, connecting AirPods, and controlling music playback. Interaction occurs in two primary ways:

Single Tap: Opens the relevant app linked to the Dynamic Island.
Long Press: Expands to display additional controls for the indicated app.

Privacy Indicators in Dynamic Island

With the launch of iOS 16, Apple introduces color-coded dot indicators in the Dynamic Island to enhance user privacy. These indicators alert users when an app is accessing device hardware sensors without their explicit knowledge. Here’s what the colors signify:

Orange Dot: Indicates that an app is using the iPhone’s microphone.

Orange dot view in Dynamic Island on iPhone.

Green Dot: Signifies that an app is using either the camera, or the camera along with the microphone.

Green dot view in Dynamic Island when using camera on iPhone.

To see which apps are accessing your data, swipe down from the upper-right corner to access Control Center. Tap the bar displaying the app name to review active permissions.

Viewing permissions for active apps on iPhone.

Tasks and Activities Supported by Dynamic Island

The Dynamic Island effectively supports a growing array of applications and features, automatically adjusting to display the relevant information as needed. Animated graphics supported by the iPhone’s advanced chipset offer up to three times sharper visuals compared to standard IOS animations.

Here are some key functionalities available through the Dynamic Island:

Notifications and System Alerts:

Incoming Calls
AirPods Connection
Face ID Authentication
Apple Pay Transactions
CarKey Access
AirDrop Notifications
Apple Watch Unlock
Low Battery Alerts
Charging Status
Silent Switch State
NFC Interactions
AirPlay Usage
Focus Mode Changes
Shortcuts Activation
Airplane Mode Notifications
SIM Alerts
Accessory Connect Notifications
Find My iPhone Alerts

Live Activities:

Ongoing Calls
SharePlay Sessions
Music/Now Playing Apps
Timer Functionality
Maps Directions
Voice Memos
Screen Recording
Personal Hotspot Management
Microphone Access Indicator
Camera Usage Indicator
Compatibility with Third-Party Apps (e.g., Pixel Pals, Uber, Lyft, Flighty)

Music Playback:

Spotify
Stitcher
Audible
Amazon Music
NPR One
Overcast
Pandora
YouTube Music
SoundCloud

CallKit:

WhatsApp
Google Voice
Instagram

Managing Incoming Calls with Dynamic Island

When you receive a call, the Dynamic Island expands to display buttons for Accept and Decline, along with the caller’s information. If the call is accepted, the interface modifies to indicate call duration and a real-time audio waveform where orange denotes your voice and green represents the caller’s.

Dynamic Island showing incoming call on iPhone.

By tapping on the call banner, you’re directed to the Phone app, while a long press opens additional controls like the option to switch to speakerphone without navigating away from the call screen.

Dynamic Island showing that call is in progress on iPhone.

Controlling Music Playback Using Dynamic Island

When listening to music through the Music app, or any compatible app like Spotify, you can swipe up to exit the app without interrupting your audio experience.

Music playing view in Dynamic Island on iPhone.

The content is compacted into a playback icon, mirroring the visual style of the classic iTunes MiniPlayer. Tapping the icon launches the app currently playing, while a long press grants access to standard playback controls such as Play, Pause, Forward, and Rewind. You can also manage your audio output settings from here.

Music controls visible via Dynamic Island on iPhone.

Handling Multiple Tasks Simultaneously with Dynamic Island

Dynamic Island allows you to monitor multiple tasks in real time. For instance, while using the Pixel Pals app for pet care, you can simultaneously track a timer. The interface shows both tasks, allowing you to switch between them easily.

Two apps using Dynamic Island on iPhone.

Tap the respective icons to access the Timer or the game, and a long press will reveal further controls.

Accessing Live Activities from Dynamic Island

Initially, Live Activities were limited to a few Apple apps, but the feature has expanded thanks to third-party app integration. To ensure you are receiving Live Activities for your applications, make sure this setting is enabled.

Navigate to Settings -> Facebook ID & Password, scroll to the bottom, and ensure the Live Activities toggle is activated.

If you wish to disable Live Activities for a specific app, go to Settings -> Apps and select the relevant application.

Simply switch off the toggle beside Live Activities for the selected app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide the Dynamic Island on my iPhone?

Unfortunately, hiding the Dynamic Island completely is not an option. However, there are tricks available to minimize its visibility.

What does the orange square-shaped icon in Dynamic Island signify?

The orange circular privacy indicator that represents microphone use may appear as a square if the Differentiate Without Color option is activated in the Settings app. You can revert the icon to a circle by visiting Settings -> Accessibility -> Display & Text Size.

How can I enhance accessibility to the Dynamic Island?

For iPhones used in portrait mode with one hand, the Reachability feature can help by lowering the top half of the screen, making it easier to access UI elements. On Face ID models, swipe down on the device’s bottom edge to activate this feature, which brings the upper screen content closer to your thumb.

Source & Images