The Pixel 11 may not get the Face ID competitor we were expecting
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google’s advanced IR Face Unlock, known as “Project Toscana,” may not debut on the Pixel 11 series in 2026 as previously leaked.
- A new leak suggests the feature, which aims to rival the speed of Apple’s Face ID, is simply not ready for release yet.
- Internal UX testing has been successful on phones and Chromebooks, but Google has not officially acknowledged the project.
Background
In 2024 we reported that Google was considering adding IR Face Unlock to the Pixel 11 series.
In February 2025 we covered the advanced face‑unlock system, dubbed Project Toscana, which was tested with UX testers on Pixel phones and Chromebooks and performed as quickly as Apple’s Face ID.
Latest Leak
According to Mystic Leaks on Telegram, Project Toscana “likely won’t debut” on the Pixel 11 series slated for release in 2026 because the feature is not ready for launch.
Outlook
Google has not officially discussed Project Toscana or IR Face Unlock, so the feature’s release in 2026 remains uncertain. With Google I/O only a few weeks away—a typical venue for showcasing new projects—there is still hope for hints or updates, even if the feature itself needs more development time.