Earlier this week, Google did a thorough job of unveiling the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (and the rest of the Pixel 9 series), but more specs and features will come to light after the event, including a key security update for the Google Pixel Fold's successor.
According to Android Police, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's face unlock feature is a step up from the original Pixel Fold. While the previous foldable model also had facial recognition (in addition to fingerprint recognition), it's harder to fool on the new model.
This means you can use your face to unlock secure apps (like password managers or banking apps) as well as unlock your phone. It's a little extra peace of mind in case someone else gains access to your phone.
You can check for the update on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold by opening Settings and heading to Security and privacy, Device lockand Fingerprint and face unlockOn that screen you will find the option to use your face to enter the most secure applications on your phone.
Different class
While many Android phones offer face unlock, not all of them offer the same degree of accuracy and reliability — the kind of accuracy and reliability you get with Face ID on Apple phones like the iPhone 15, for example.
It all depends on the hardware and software built into the phone. A standard front-facing selfie camera can recognise a face, but it can also be fooled with a photo of someone, making it a less than impenetrable protective measure.
With an additional depth sensor to measure the contours of your face, the technology is much more robust. This is what's known as Class 3 biometric protection, the highest there is, and it seems likely that's what the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have.
Check out our hands-on review of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold for our first impressions of the device. We'll have a full review up soon. We've also been testing the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
