With the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022, Apple introduced Dynamic Island, which can transform and expand to display system notifications, sports scores, and a variety of other information. This feature makes the area around the front camera and Face ID sensors more useful compared to the notch on older iPhone models.

According to information obtained by MacRumors, Apple explored various ideas for a notch on the iPhone over the years before landing on the current Dynamic Island design. We’ve recreated the images below from our source material to give you a never-before-seen look at some of the concepts Apple is considering.

Before Dynamic Island, Apple introduced a drop-down menu on the right side of the screen that gave users quick access to the time, cellular and Wi-Fi strength, screen brightness, volume, and battery level. The menu actually looks like a second notch and disappears when not in use.

Another idea Apple considered was to hide the notch with a completely black status bar area at the top of the screen. OLED displays display black by turning off individual pixels; hence such a design helps you save battery power.

Apple then revealed the dynamic candidate and explored various designs for it, as shown below.

Apple initially designed the dynamic island to be extended at the top of the screen, then decided it would be less obtrusive if resized as needed. Apple also considered displaying volume and a full row of system shortcuts in Dynamic Island, tested a never-before-used layout for ongoing phone calls, and more.

Apple has since expanded Dynamic Island to all iPhone 15 models, and the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus continue to be sold with the notch. There are rumors that Apple plans to eventually move the iPhone’s front camera and Face ID sensors below the screen, but that transition isn’t expected until next year.