Google Pixel 6 could finally get Face Unlock — but only on Pro model

Google Pixel half dozen could finally get Face up Unlock — but only on Pro model

pixel 6 pro standing against basket with display on

(Epitome credit: Tom's Guide)

Face Unlock for the Google Pixel 6 was missing when the phone launched, despite pre-reveal leaks suggesting it would be returning. At present that feature may finally be on the manner — but only for Pixel 6 Pro owners.

After rooting effectually in the code for the Android 12L update, 9to5Google was able to discover code strings that referenced the long-rumored feature. The code is linked to settings allowing the users to enable face recognition, fingerprint scanning or both at once, and the fact that you can switch between the ii indicates that it's new code, and not a leftover from older Pixels. This had been previously hinted at by other code findings shortly after the Pixel 6 launched.

The curious thing near information technology, though, is that this lawmaking wasn't present when 9to5Google looked for it on a base Pixel 6 running Android 12L. That seems to indicate that it'll be exclusive to the Pro model, which is strange if true. Although the bigger phone does have a higher resolution selfie camera with a wider field of view, at that place doesn't seem to be any good reason why the non-Pro Pixel 6 couldn't get Face up Unlock, too.

Ane final caveat: information technology'southward tagged as an experimental feature, which could advise that nosotros won't run across it on the Pixel 6 serial for some time, or mayhap not at all. Maybe Google will proceed united states of america waiting for the Pixel 7 before nosotros go another Pixel with Face up Unlock?

Face up Unlock, after being introduced on the Pixel 4 series, was dropped for last year'southward Pixel 5. Nonetheless rumors from earlier the Pixel 6's launch claimed that Google would be bringing the feature back, despite the fact the Pixel 6 serial has an under-display fingerprint scanner and no additional sensors to make Confront Unlock fully secure, every bit it is with Apple's Face up ID.

December Pixel update

While Face Unlock is probable some fourth dimension away for Pixel half dozen Pro owners (and may never come to the Pixel vi), Google'due south latest Feature Drop has now dropped, after beingness delayed for the Pixel half-dozen and Pixel 6 Pro

It comes with a parcel of welcome changes, including enhancements to Now Playing and Nearby Share. Yous tin can read the full list of changes here, merely the bottom line is that it contains multiple issues fixes and improvements, the nigh important of which relate to the under-brandish fingerprint sensor. This was i of the most mutual Pixel 6 problems found by users after launch, so it's good that Google'southward finally addressed this, hopefully for adept.

There are a few actual new features in this update, too. You can now run across more battery charging data on the notification shade, plus battery temperature and wireless charging performance should now be amend.

Y'all'll too run into some updates to graphics support, Material You lot dynamic theming for the kick-upwardly screen, refinements to the quick settings menu and upgrades to the already excellent Pixel vi photographic camera system, relating to stability, color and autofocus.

Richard is a Tom's Guide staff writer based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, gaming, audio and whatever else people demand advice on. Following on from his MA in Mag Journalism at the Academy of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Annals and Creative Bloq. When non at piece of work, he'southward likely thinking almost how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.