Huawei 3D Face Recognition is on track to debut ahead of Apple’s own in-display version, according to a new leak. While many expected the innovation to arrive with the Huawei Mate 80 series this year, the latest insights indicate the Mate 90 Pro, due in 2026, will be the first to feature the under-display 3D facial recognition technology.
The feature has long been rumored as the next major evolution in smartphone biometric security. If Huawei delivers before Apple, it will be a significant win for the Chinese tech giant, especially in the high-end flagship race.
Why the Delay Until Mate 90 Pro?
Initial speculation pointed to the Mate 70 or Mate 80 series as likely candidates for launching the under-display 3D facial recognition system. However, tipsters now say that hardware constraints and software optimization needs have delayed the rollout.
Specifically, the Mate 80 series might feature a new Kirin 5G chip with over 20% performance gains compared to the current 9020 chipset. It may also introduce an internal cooling fan fused with the camera module. These ambitious upgrades may have complicated efforts to integrate the in-display 3D face recognition module.
On the software side, HarmonyOS 6.0, expected to ship with the Mate 80, will focus on performance refinements and user interface enhancements. Huawei could be prioritizing these over launching entirely new hardware-based features in 2025.
Apple vs Huawei: The Biometric Battle
Apple introduced 3D facial recognition with the iPhone X in 2017 and has since refined the tech. Huawei, on the other hand, began using the feature with the Mate 20 Pro in 2020. Since then, both companies have invested heavily in bringing this capability under the display for a more seamless design.
While earlier reports indicated both companies may achieve this by 2027, Huawei’s current trajectory could push its timeline ahead by a full year. If the Mate 90 Pro indeed delivers the tech in 2026, it will mark a major achievement in Huawei’s comeback in premium mobile innovation.
Will Huawei’s Strategy Pay Off?
Despite facing global trade restrictions and chip sourcing challenges, Huawei continues to innovate with flagship devices and advanced biometric features. Its development of under-display 3D face scanning further proves the company’s ambition to lead in AI-driven security tech.
Additionally, Huawei’s ecosystem improvements—through HarmonyOS—indicate a strategic shift toward long-term platform competitiveness, rather than quick hardware leaps. The move could allow Huawei to fine-tune user experience before delivering breakthrough features like in-screen biometric authentication.
What’s Next for Huawei’s Hardware Lineup?
Though details about the Mate 90 series are based on leaks and rumors, expectations are high. The introduction of in-display 3D Face ID will likely coincide with a broader launch of “extraordinary products”, as teased by insiders.
Consumers can anticipate enhanced camera systems, AI-powered functionalities, and deeper HarmonyOS integration. However, Huawei may also hold back on major innovations in 2025 to prepare for a much stronger flagship leap in 2026.
A Look Ahead
If successful, the Huawei 3D Face Recognition upgrade will give the company a meaningful lead in the field of biometric security. With the Mate 90 Pro likely to be the launchpad for this innovation, Huawei is once again positioning itself as a frontrunner in global tech competition.
Consumers eager for next-gen face authentication should watch closely as 2026 approaches—Huawei might just beat Apple to the future.
