Google Pulls Ahead of Apple in Under-Display Facial Recognition Race, Leaks Suggest

Google is reportedly working on implementing under-display Face ID technology for future Pixel phones, potentially beating Apple to market with this innovation. According to leaked documents from Google’s chip division regarding the Tensor G6 chip’s image signal processor, the technology could debut in the Pixel 11.

The development would mark a significant advancement over current Pixel facial recognition systems, which rely on standard cameras. Google has been refining its face authentication technology since reintroducing it in the Pixel 8 series, which achieved the highest “Class 3” security rating for biometric authentication.

The under-display IR camera would enable facial biometric authentication without requiring a visible notch or cutout in the display, while maintaining security levels comparable to current Face ID implementations. This builds upon Google’s recent advances in AI-enhanced image processing through its custom Tensor chips, which have steadily improved the accuracy and security of its facial recognition capabilities.

This move could put Google ahead of Apple, which is rumored to be planning under-display Face ID implementation no sooner than 2026. While Apple pioneered sophisticated 3D facial recognition in smartphones with its TrueDepth camera system, the technology has required a prominent display notch since its introduction. The race to implement under-display biometric systems has intensified as manufacturers seek to maximize screen real estate while maintaining robust security features.

Sources: Forbes, India Today

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October 29, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy