Rumor has it that Google’s Pixel 11, due out in 2026, will revive a feature last seen on the Pixel4 as of 2019. Google is apparently considering adding an under-display infrared camera to the Pixel 11 generation, allowing secure face unlock.
The last time a Pixel had something like this was in 2019 with the Pixel 4. Google then abandoned the feature, only to now think about reintroducing it in a new way (this is something the company does a lot) . While the Pixel 4 had to have a huge top bezel for its screen to accommodate the technology, the Pixel 11 will place the IR camera below the screen so it doesn’t take up any visible space.
Google Pixel4
Rumor has it that Apple will also use under-display infrared cameras for its Face ID technology in 2026. Google’s Tensor G6 chipsetthat will power the Pixel 11 family will support infrared face unlock via an under-display infrared camera.
Of course, the fact that the chip supports this function does not necessarily mean that this function will see the light of day. On the other hand, the Tensor G6 is a chip that Google custom designs for its own smartphones and nothing else, so there would be no point in offering such support if nothing came of it.