Under-screen facial unlock technology coming to Android in 2027

The company Metalenz revealed “Polar ID”, a facial unlocking system that works completely under the OLED screen of smartphones. Diferente from Face iPhone ID, which requires a visible cutout in the screen, this technology uses flat lenses with nanostructures to direct light to authentication sensors. The hardware is practically invisible to the user, taking up a minimum fraction of space on the device.

The technology is based on optical metasurfaces and captures polarization data — information about how light behaves when interacting with specific surfaces. Essa feature ensures that the system only recognizes real faces, rejecting 3D silicon masks or other fakes. Metalenz has refined this approach for years to reach the current demonstration stage.

Cronograma arriving on the market

The launch of Polar ID will follow different stages:

• Smartphones and laptops will receive the technology in 2027
• Versão completely under the screen is expected in 2028
• Qualcomm has already closed an agreement with Metalenz for integration
• Primeiros models Android are expected to adopt the system soon

Metalenz worked with Qualcomm a few years ago to develop this solution. Agora system has reached technical maturity, Android smartphone manufacturers begin to position themselves for implementation. The technology will work even in low-light environments, unlike conventional under-screen cameras that suffer from loss of quality in these conditions.

Vantagens over traditional biometric cameras

Bias data does not suffer from the degradation that affects selfie cameras placed under OLED displays. Dispositivos like Galaxy Z Fold and Samsung face noticeable loss of quality in this type of implementation. The Polar ID maintains virtually identical data collection whether the hardware is visible or completely hidden.

The screen itself only requires a “thinner” section at the sensor location. Nenhum cutout as notch or Dynamic Island is required. Essa approach offers greater design freedom for manufacturers, enabling cleaner, more immersive displays.

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Google and Projeto Toscana

Google had been working on “Project Toscana”, its own version of under-screen face unlock. Esse system was originally planned for Pixel 11, released this year. A recent report confirmed that Pixel 11 will not include this technology in 2026. Não there is clarity about possible connection between the Google project and the Metalenz solution. Relatos indicate that the Google utilizes infrared hardware in its under-screen biometric authentication approach.

Google’s decision not to include the Polar ID or its own technology in Pixel 11 leaves room for other manufacturers to adopt Metalenz’s solution. Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus and other Android brands should look into integrating this technology in their upcoming releases. Qualcomm, as the implementation partner, will likely make the system available to its customers on the premium processor portfolio.

The future of biometric authentication on mobile devices

The arrival of the Polar ID marks an important transition in smartphone security. Desbloqueio facial under screen represents natural step after years of conventional cameras and infrared sensors. The technology eliminates the need for dedicated visual resources, offering a more integrated and modern experience.

Competição between Apple and Android will step up in biometric authentication. Enquanto iPhone maintains its consolidated system with notch, Android devices gain a potentially superior alternative — completely invisible and working in any light condition. Fabricantes that adopt the Polar ID in the next releases will be at the forefront of this technological evolution.