As smartphone privacy becomes an increasing concern, especially in crowded public spaces, manufacturers are exploring innovative solutions beyond simple screen protectors. The latest leaks surrounding Samsung's upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, suggest the company is taking a hardware-based approach to this problem. New details have emerged about a feature called "Privacy Display," which appears to be a core part of the One UI 8.5 software experience, potentially leveraging next-generation panel technology to shield user content from prying eyes.
The Privacy Display Feature Emerges from One UI 8.5 Code
Recent examinations of early One UI 8.5 firmware have uncovered multiple references to a feature dubbed "Privacy Display." This functionality, as described in the code, is designed to limit the clarity of the screen when viewed from the sides, while maintaining perfect readability for the user looking at it head-on. The primary goal is to prevent unwanted glances in public settings such as buses, trains, or cafes, offering users peace of mind without the need for a physical privacy filter. The feature is not intended to be always active; instead, it can be manually enabled through the device's Settings menu or added as a convenient toggle in the Quick Panel for instant access.
Feature Name: Privacy Display Reported Source: One UI 8.5 firmware & Samsung Tips app Primary Function: Limits screen visibility from side angles while maintaining head-on clarity. Control Methods: Manual toggle (Settings/Quick Panel), Automated via Modes and Routines. Potential Hardware: Samsung Display's Flex Magic Pixel OLED technology. Competitor Comparison: Contrasts with Huawei Pura 80 Ultra's camera-based eye-tracking alert system.
Automation and Integration with Samsung's Ecosystem
Beyond manual control, the leaks indicate that Privacy Display is designed for intelligent automation. It appears to be integrated with Samsung's Modes and Routines system, allowing the feature to activate automatically based on predefined conditions. For instance, a user could set the privacy screen to engage automatically when they leave their home Wi-Fi network and switch to mobile data, or when they open specific apps like banking or messaging services. Newer leaks from the Samsung Tips app also suggest triggers based on notification pop-ups or when the screen is locked with a PIN, pattern, or password, making the feature context-aware and highly customizable to individual privacy needs.
Reported Automation Triggers:
- Leaving a trusted location (e.g., home)
- Switching to mobile data
- Opening specific applications
- Notification pop-ups
- Screen lock (PIN/pattern/password) activation
A Hardware-Centric Approach with Flex Magic Pixel OLED
Unlike software-only solutions that might use the front camera for eye-tracking, Samsung's Privacy Display is reportedly linked directly to the display hardware. This aligns with industry speculation that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be the first consumer device to utilize Samsung Display's "Flex Magic Pixel OLED" technology. Showcased last year, this advanced panel technology can physically control how pixels emit light, effectively narrowing the viewing angles. This hardware-based method would be more power-efficient and seamless than camera-dependent systems, potentially offering a more robust and reliable privacy barrier without constant sensor engagement.
How It Compares to Existing Privacy Solutions
The concept of combating screen snooping is not entirely new, but Samsung's approach differs significantly from methods employed by competitors. For example, Huawei's Pura 80 Ultra uses a combination of eye-tracking and facial recognition through its front-facing cameras to detect when an unauthorized person is looking at the screen, alerting the user with a notification. Samsung's panel-based method, if the rumors hold true, would proactively obscure the content from side angles altogether, preventing the peek in the first place rather than just detecting it. This represents a more fundamental shift in how display technology can be used to enhance user privacy.
Awaiting Official Confirmation and Real-World Performance
While the leaks, including an animation found within system files, provide a compelling glimpse of the feature—showing a normally bright screen that dims noticeably when viewed from the side—its real-world effectiveness remains to be seen. All current information originates from pre-release software, and Samsung has not officially confirmed the feature or its underlying technology. The tech community is eagerly awaiting the Galaxy S26 series launch, expected in February 2026, to see how this innovative privacy feature performs in daily use and whether it sets a new standard for personal data security on mobile devices.