Google is developing an upgraded face unlock system for its Pixel smartphones and Chromebooks, aiming for performance comparable to Apple’s Face ID, according to reports emerging on February 17, 2026. The project, internally known as “Project Toscana,” represents a significant investment in biometric authentication beyond the fingerprint sensors currently dominant on Android devices.
The move signals a renewed focus on facial recognition technology for Google, which previously featured a sophisticated, infrared-based face unlock system on the Pixel 4. That system was discontinued in subsequent generations, a decision likely influenced by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread adoption of face coverings, rendering the technology less reliable. Google has since reintroduced face unlock on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series, but these iterations relied on the standard camera and lacked the security features required for use with secure apps until the Pixel 8.
Android Authority first reported details of Project Toscana, stating the new system is designed to function with a single hole-punch camera cutout, similar to current smartphone designs. Testing indicates the technology operates “just as quickly as Face ID on the iPhone” across various lighting conditions, potentially utilizing infrared technology. Even as technical specifics remain undisclosed, speculation suggests Google may integrate an infrared projector into the OLED display, mirroring Apple’s approach, or potentially revive a radar-based system similar to the one used on the Pixel 4, but integrated into the display itself.
The upgraded facial recognition is currently in beta testing, suggesting a relatively advanced stage of development. Google intends to debut the technology with the anticipated Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro later this year. A version for Chromebooks is also reportedly in development, though its release may be delayed until 2026. The development comes as Apple’s Face ID continues to be regarded as the benchmark for facial recognition in the smartphone market, even after eight years since its introduction.
Google’s current Pixel face unlock system, available on Pixel 7 and later models including the Pixel Fold, utilizes a face model created from images taken from different angles. The company cautions that Face Unlock may be less secure than PINs, patterns, or passwords, and that someone resembling the user, such as an identical sibling, could potentially unlock the device. Google also advises users to enroll in Fingerprint Unlock for a more reliable experience and recommends activating lockdown features for enhanced security.
