It has been nearly a decade since Samsung debuted iris scanning technology on the Galaxy S8, a high-security feature eventually sacrificed for the bezel-less displays of the S10 era. However, new leaks suggest the tech giant may be preparing to reintroduce advanced biometric authentication with the future Galaxy S27 Ultra.

According to insider @phonefuturist, Samsung is currently testing "Polar ID," a cutting-edge solution developed by Metalenz. This technology utilizes a meta-optic lens system capable of capturing comprehensive data from a single image—including facial structure and "liveness" detection—crucial elements for secure identity verification.

The Polar ID system reportedly pairs an infrared projector with Samsung’s ISOCELL Vizion 931 sensor. This combination allows for facial recognition even in low-light conditions without relying on screen illumination. Furthermore, the technology is designed to thwart sophisticated spoofing attempts, such as 3D masks, significantly bolstering device security.

A key advantage over competitors like Apple’s Face ID is the hardware’s compact footprint. The system is small enough to be integrated under the display without expanding the front camera cutout. This means Samsung could maintain its signature punch-hole design rather than resorting to a notch or a larger pill-shaped cutout.

If the Galaxy S27 Ultra indeed adopts Polar ID, users would gain the flexibility of choosing between under-display fingerprint scanning and secure 3D face unlock—offering a practical alternative for scenarios where hands are wet or dirty, all while keeping data secure.