SEOUL:
Samsung’s next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is rumoured to arrive with a potentially game-changing feature designed to address rising concerns over digital privacy. A new leak offers an unprecedented look into how the so-called “Privacy Display” could function, giving users granular control over screen visibility in public and crowded environments.
Speculation regarding Samsung’s Privacy Display has circulated for months, but thanks to a fresh user interface (UI) leak, its implementation may be clearer than ever. The feature, initially spotted by the user @achultra on X (formerly Twitter), was found embedded within a teardown of the upcoming One UI 8.5 build. The report suggests the technology is designed to make the phone’s screen significantly more difficult for bystanders to view from side angles, activating automatically when the user is in a public setting.
The Mechanics of Privacy
The leaked screenshots indicate that users will have extensive customizable controls for the Privacy Display. This includes the ability to manually select when the feature engages, whether it activates based on an automated setting, and which specific applications or content should trigger the protection.
Intriguingly, the feature may also utilize environmental detection—for example, switching on instantly when the user is identified as travelling on public transport or seated in a busy corporate meeting, a significant quality-of-life upgrade for security-conscious professionals.
Shielding Sensitive Information
If the reports prove accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra would allow users to effectively shield various sensitive details, including:
- Lock screen credentials (PINs, passwords, or patterns)
- Private images within the gallery
- Notifications and picture-in-picture windows
This capability positions the feature as a major advantage for individuals who frequently conduct sensitive work in shared or external spaces.
Focus on Experience Over Aesthetics
While these reports remain officially unconfirmed, they align with Samsung’s apparent strategic shift towards user experience enhancements and privacy functionality, rather than drastic design overhauls. The move suggests the company is doubling down on convenience and security, a strategic pivot that could allow the Galaxy S26 Ultra to distinguish itself in a flagship market increasingly dominated by advances in AI and camera hardware.
Though Samsung has yet to comment, and details remain subject to change, the reported Privacy Display feature could deliver Samsung a crucial edge in the competitive 2025 smartphone race—potentially establishing the Galaxy S26 Ultra as one of the most secure personal devices ever built.
