Face Unlock on the Google Pixel 6 was not included at launch, despite leaks prior to its announcement suggesting its return. However, it is only available to Pixel 6 Pro owners.

After scouring through the Android 12L update code, 9to5Google was able to find a code string related to this long-rumored feature. The code is linked to a setting that allows users to enable facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or both at once, and the fact that the two can be toggled indicates that it is new code, not a leftover from older Pixels. This was previously suggested by other code discovered shortly after the launch of Pixel 6.

Curiously, however, this code was not present when 9to5Google looked for it on a base Pixel 6 running Android 12L. This seems to indicate that it is exclusive to the Pro model, which is odd if true. The larger Pixel 6 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a wider field of view, but there seems to be no legitimate reason why a non-Pro model Pixel 6 cannot have Face Unlock.

The final caveat is that it is tagged as an experimental feature and may not be available on the Pixel 6 series for some time or at all. Perhaps Google is going to make us wait for the Pixel 7 before we get another Pixel with Face Unlock?

Face Unlock was introduced in the Pixel 4 series and then discontinued in last year's Pixel 5. However, rumors from before the Pixel 6 launch claimed that Google would bring back the feature, even though the Pixel 6 series has a fingerprint scanner under the display and no additional sensor to fully secure Face Unlock like Apple's Face ID had been.

While Face Unlock may be a while off for Pixel 6 Pro owners (and may not be coming to the Pixel 6), Google's latest Feature Drop has now been released after being delayed for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

which comes with a bundle of welcome changes, including Now Playing and Nearby Share enhancements. The full list of changes can be read here, but in short, it includes multiple bug fixes and improvements, the most important of which relates to the fingerprint sensor under the display. This was one of the most common issues with the Pixel 6 discovered by users after launch, so it is good that Google has finally addressed this.

The update also has some real new features. You should be able to see more battery charging information in the notification shade, as well as improved battery temperature and wireless charging performance.

The update also includes graphics support, a material dynamic theme for the startup screen, an improved quick settings menu, and upgrades to the already excellent Pixel 6 camera system (related to stability, color, and autofocus).