Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra gets built-in privacy screen tech

Samsung has confirmed it is working on a built-in privacy screen feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra after the South Korean tech giant accidentally revealed the technology in promotional materials for its One UI 8.5 update. The feature, called Privacy Display, will allow users to toggle on protection against people viewing their screen from the side without needing to install a physical screen protector.

The accidental leak came when Samsung's Good Lock team shared screenshots of upcoming features for One UI 8.5. Among the images was a Quick Settings panel that included a dedicated toggle for Privacy Display, sitting between a music widget and a nearby devices option. The discovery confirms months of rumors about Samsung working on privacy-focused display technology.

Background

Privacy screen protectors have been around for years. They work by using micro-louver technology, essentially tiny blinds built into the glass that block light at specific angles. When someone tries to view your phone from the side, they see a darkened or nearly black screen, while the person holding the phone sees a normal, bright display when looking straight ahead.

The problem with traditional privacy screen protectors is that they come with drawbacks. They make screens appear dimmer, can interfere with fingerprint sensors, and affect viewing angles when you want to show someone else content on your phone. Many users find these trade-offs frustrating enough that they only install them when needed.

Samsung has been working on a solution to these problems. The company's Display division has developed what it calls Flex Magic Pixel technology, which brings privacy features directly into the phone's hardware rather than relying on an add-on protector.

Key Details

How the feature works

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display will function similarly to physical privacy screen protectors but without the drawbacks. When activated, the screen will progressively darken as viewing angles become wider. Someone looking at the phone from directly above will see a distorted view, while someone sitting beside you will see an almost completely black screen. The person holding the phone, however, will continue to see a normal, bright display.

The feature will use CoE depolarizer technology combined with third-generation anti-reflective glass to maintain brightness and color quality even when Privacy Display is turned on. Samsung's current Galaxy S25 Ultra reaches peak brightness of 1,860 nits, and the S26 Ultra is expected to push beyond 2,000 nits, meaning privacy protection should not significantly impact display performance.

Activation and customization

Users will be able to toggle Privacy Display on and off instantly through the Quick Settings panel. More importantly, the feature will be customizable with artificial intelligence that learns when you need privacy protection. The system could automatically activate Privacy Display in certain locations, such as on public transportation or in elevators, or based on which app you are using, such as banking applications.

This approach gives users flexibility. They can enjoy a bright, normal display when watching movies at home, then activate privacy protection when checking sensitive information in public spaces.

"With the S26 Ultra, you get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a bright display for watching Netflix at home, and then turn on Privacy Display mode when you check your bank balance in a coffee shop." – Android Authority

The S26 Ultra will feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED panel, the same size as the current S25 Ultra, but with the new privacy technology built into the hardware itself.

What This Means

For consumers, Privacy Display represents a significant shift in how phones approach privacy. Rather than relying on third-party solutions that degrade display quality, Samsung is embedding the feature directly into the phone's construction. This hardware-based approach is more secure than software solutions alone.

The feature addresses a real problem that phone users face. Whether commuting on crowded public transportation, sitting in airports, or working in open offices, people often worry about others seeing sensitive information on their screens. A built-in privacy feature eliminates the need to purchase and maintain separate screen protectors.

For Samsung, the Privacy Display feature gives the company a unique selling point that competitors do not currently offer. While other manufacturers may eventually develop similar technology, Samsung will have a head start with this feature exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The accidental leak suggests Samsung is confident enough in the technology to include it in official marketing materials. The company's decision to highlight the feature in its Good Lock update announcements indicates this will be a major talking point when the Galaxy S26 Ultra launches. The fact that Samsung has been working on this technology for months, with rumors dating back to August, shows the company took time to perfect the feature before release.

The privacy implications are significant. Passwords, banking information, personal messages, and other sensitive data will be better protected from casual observation in public spaces. For business users who handle confidential information, the feature could provide peace of mind when working outside secure offices.