Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to Debut "Privacy Display" Feature
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to include a "Privacy Display" feature, designed to limit the visibility of on-screen content from off-axis viewpoints. This technology is expected to debut on the Ultra model of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, which is projected to launch in late February. Details regarding the feature's functionality, accessibility, and underlying technology have emerged from firmware analysis, application listings, and official communications.
Enhanced Privacy Through Display Control
The Privacy Display feature aims to enhance user privacy by reducing screen visibility when viewed from oblique angles.
When activated, the display is designed to appear normal when viewed directly from the front, but dims or darkens when observed from the top, bottom, left, or right sides.
This mechanism is intended to obscure sensitive information, such as content from banking applications, confidential documents, notifications, or password entry screens, from adjacent onlookers.
Samsung has indicated that the Privacy Display is not an "all or nothing" solution, allowing users to protect specific parts of the display. The feature is expected to offer multiple settings for adjusting visibility, enabling customization based on individual privacy needs.
Confirmation and Early Detections
Indications of the Privacy Display feature's development and inclusion have been identified through several channels. Traces of code related to the feature were discovered within internal versions of One UI 8.5, and a user interface toggle for it was subsequently identified. A listing for the new feature appeared in Samsung's updated Tips application when accessed on a simulated Galaxy S26 Ultra device.
Confirmation of the feature also emerged from a screenshot released by Samsung alongside details of One UI 8.5 Good Lock updates, which inadvertently displayed "Privacy Display" in the Quick Settings panel. Additionally, Samsung has released a series of videos teasing the "Privacy display" feature for the Galaxy S26 series.
User Control and Automated Settings
The Privacy Display feature is expected to be accessible within the Display settings of the phone's Settings application. A dedicated Quick Settings toggle will also be available in the Quick Panel for rapid activation.
Users will reportedly have the option to manually enable or disable the feature. Furthermore, automatic activation parameters can be configured, allowing the feature to trigger based on specific conditions. These conditions may include the currently open application, the appearance of a notification, or environmental factors such as detecting crowded environments. Suggested integration with the Modes And Routines application could enable activation based on criteria like the user's location.
Hardware and Software Innovation
The Privacy Display feature is expected to utilize new hardware to achieve its functionality, replicating the effect of a physical privacy screen protector. This technology is speculated to necessitate a newer-generation OLED panel, with Samsung Display's Flex Magic Pixel technology, showcased at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in early 2024, being identified as a potential component. Samsung has stated that the feature represents a fusion of hardware and software, developed over five years of engineering, testing, and refining.
Launch Timeline and Exclusivity
The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to launch in late February. The Privacy Display feature is expected to be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra model.