Startup Metalenz Develops Under-Display Facial Recognition Technology Without Screen Notch

• May 5, 2026

Apple has long pursued the goal of removing the notch on iPhones created to house Face ID components, yet a fully integrated solution has remained elusive. A technology startup called Metalenz has now introduced a new facial recognition system designed to operate directly beneath the surface of existing OLED displays, potentially bypassing the need for a notch or other screen cutouts.

Metalenz’s breakthrough centers on embedding reliable user identification hardware under the active area of a smartphone screen. This approach contrasts with current facial recognition implementations that rely on visible sensors and cameras housed in notches or bezels above the display. By integrating the technology below the OLED layer, the system preserves the uninterrupted appearance of the screen while maintaining secure and accurate facial recognition capabilities.

Innovating Face ID Without Compromising Screen Design

The new under-display system demonstrates how biometric security can evolve without compromising front-facing design aesthetics. Current solutions, such as those used in flagship smartphones including Apple’s Face ID, require dedicated space for various sensors, infrared cameras, and dot projectors. These necessary components have so far prevented manufacturers from delivering a truly full-screen experience without visible interruptions.

Metalenz’s approach leverages advanced optics and sensor integration to function reliably beneath the OLED pixel layer. This potentially enables future smartphones to achieve seamless facial recognition without the visual intrusions that currently dictate device design and screen shape. Such an advancement may appeal to manufacturers striving to maximize screen real estate without sacrificing biometric security.

While Apple has experimented for years with methods to reduce or eliminate the Face ID notch, this startup may represent a significant step forward in overcoming the technical hurdles associated with embedding facial recognition entirely under a functional display. The solution aligns with broader industry trends toward under-display fingerprint scanning and other biometric methods embedded beneath screens.

Metalenz’s technology remains at a developmental stage, and further details on implementation, performance benchmarks, or partnerships have not been publicly disclosed. It is also uncertain how soon this innovation might be adopted commercially or integrated into consumer devices.

The introduction of a notch-free facial recognition system under OLED displays points to potential future design shifts in smartphones, where the focus on combining security, privacy, and design coherence becomes increasingly critical. This underlines ongoing efforts in the mobile technology sector to enhance user experience while advancing hardware efficiencies.

Metalenz unveils a facial recognition system that works beneath OLED screens, potentially eliminating the need for screen notches on smartphones.