Pixel 6 Pro: Release date for face unlock option outlined but not for the Pixel 6

9to5Google has added to the ongoing debate about the state of face unlock support on the Pixel 6 series. Prior to the launch of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Evan Blass leaked marketing materials showing that the Pixel 6 Pro would support 'face and Fingerprint Unlock'. In November, it emerged that Google had left face unlock code in Android 12, which it expanded upon in March with the release of Android 12 Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) 3 Beta.

Subsequently, face unlock appeared as a screen lock method on a Pixel 6, which we have discussed separately. Now, 9to5Google reports that Google had hoped to launch the Pixel 6 Pro with face unlock support. Reportedly, Google only intended to bring the functionality to the Pixel 6 Pro, not the Pixel 6. For context, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL both supported face unlock via dot projectors, flood illuminators and IR cameras.

9to5Google adds that Google decided to remove face unlock functionality at the last minute, albeit for reasons unknown. Purportedly, Google continues to work towards enabling face unlock, but still just for the Pixel 6 Pro. The website adds that face unlock could arrive in a future Pixel Feature Drop, although it notes that 'plans might still change'. If plans remain the same, face unlock could debut for the Pixel 6 Pro in June.

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