Google Pixel 11 to Revive Secure Face Unlock with Under-Display IR Camera

Google’s upcoming Pixel 11, expected to launch in 2026, is set to revive a long-forgotten feature from the Pixel 4: secure face unlocking, powered by an under-display infrared (IR) camera. This would mark the return of a feature Google hasn’t utilized since 2019, only this time with a modern twist — eliminating the need for bulky bezels by seamlessly integrating the technology beneath the display.

The 2019 Pixel 4 famously housed its face unlock system within a large top bezel, but the aims to deliver the same functionality without sacrificing screen space. Thanks to Google’s in-house Tensor G6 chipset, the Pixel 11 will natively support infrared face unlock, indicating Google’s serious commitment to bringing back this secure biometric option.

Interestingly, this shift aligns with rumors about Apple’s own plans to adopt under-display IR for Face ID around the same time, highlighting a broader industry trend toward bezel-less biometric solutions. Google’s custom-designed Tensor G6 chip, crafted specifically for Pixel devices, will handle this advanced facial recognition feature, setting it up as a core component of the Pixel 11’s security suite.

While Google’s Tensor G6 chipset promises under-display IR capabilities, it remains to be confirmed whether the feature will appear in the final Pixel 11 design. Given the integration of support directly into the Tensor G6, however, it seems likely that Google intends to bring secure face unlock back in a big way.

The Pixel 11’s potential reintroduction of this advanced face unlock technology could provide a significant edge in the highly competitive smartphone market, especially as user demand for seamless, secure biometric options continues to grow.