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Android phones might finally catch up with Apple-style face unlock, but without the notch.
A new system called Polar ID, developed by Metalenz, could bring secure, infrared-style facial recognition to Android devices as early as 2027, with under-display versions likely arriving a year later.
According to a report from Wired, Polar ID replicates the kind of biometric security seen in Apple’s Face ID, but in a much smaller and less visible package. Instead of relying on bulky sensor arrays, the system uses optical metasurfaces, which are essentially ultra-thin lenses with nanostructures that bend light toward sensors. That allows most of the hardware to sit neatly under an OLED display. As a result, this removes the need for cutouts or visible modules.
The clever bit is how it verifies a face. Alongside standard imaging, Polar ID captures polarisation data, which tracks how light reflects off different surfaces. Therefore, it can distinguish between a real human face and something like a 3D mask, which is a key requirement for secure authentication. Plus, unlike other methods, it should also work in the dark.
Metalenz has already partnered with Qualcomm to bring the technology to market, and companies expect to integrate it into both smartphones and laptops, though early versions may still use visible sensors. However, the long-term goal is a fully hidden setup. Interestingly, the company says the system’s placement beneath a display does not significantly affect performance. It requires only a small “thinned” section of the screen.
The timing is notable. Reports suggest Google had been exploring similar under-display face unlock technology, internally dubbed Project Toscana, but it will now likely miss the upcoming Pixel 11. That leaves the door open for third-party solutions like Polar ID to lead the charge.
If it lands as promised, this could be a big step for Android. It offers a more secure, seamless alternative to fingerprint sensors without compromising on design.
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