Overview
The next flagship from Samsung, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, may introduce a new privacy feature called Private Display. Detected in the code for One UI 8.5, the feature is described as limiting the visibility of the screen from side angles to protect users in public spaces. While still unconfirmed by Samsung, the concept aligns with the growing demand for on device privacy during commutes and crowded environments.
What is Private Display?
Based on the latest leaks surfaced by an insider on X via GSMArena, Private Display aims to reduce the chance that a passerby can view your screen from an angle. It is not expected to blackout the entire screen; instead, it would selectively obscure parts of the UI when viewed from the side. The goal is to give users more control over what is visible in public while preserving normal usability at direct viewing angles.
How it could work
Samsung reportedly offers both manual controls and automatic activation. Users could toggle Private Display on or off from quick settings, and also enable an automatic mode that activates whenever the phone detects crowds or when the user is in transit. The auto mode is said to use GPS to determine when the device is in a public or crowded space and apply privacy protections accordingly. A scheduling option is also mentioned, allowing private viewing windows at specific times of day.
Per app and per element usage
Beyond a blanket privacy shield, the feature may allow per app or per UI element configuration. This means certain apps could trigger Private Display while others remain unaffected. For example, notification popups or a picture in picture window might be hidden or shown only when viewed straight on. In the gallery, images could be flagged as privacy protected so they appear only at direct viewing angles, adding a layer of protection for personal content.
Input and sensitive fields
Some discussions around the feature suggest Private Display could extend to inputs such as PIN pads, passwords, and graphic passwords. In practice, this could reduce the likelihood of someone nearby catching sensitive entry info when the device is looked at from the side, a common concern in crowded places.
Maximum Privacy mode
Another setting described in the leaks is a mode called Maximum Privacy. When active, it would reduce overall screen brightness while Private Display is engaged, further limiting what bystanders can discern. This mode highlights a common privacy trade-off: protecting information versus maintaining full readability in bright or busy environments.
Exclusivity and implications
Current information points to Private Display arriving with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. If true, this feature might be exclusive to the top end model, at least initially, which could shape how users compare the S26 lineup. It also raises practical questions for developers and testers about how third party apps will interact with privacy shielding and whether there will be opt in or developer level controls to ensure smooth operation.
What this could mean for users
For people who travel, commute, or work in public spaces, Private Display could offer a meaningful privacy enhancement with minimal setup. The ability to tailor the feature by app and by time of day would give users a flexible approach to privacy, while the ability to quiet or blur certain UI elements would reduce accidental exposure. If the gallery and input field protections prove accurate, the feature might extend privacy beyond the main screen to a broader range of on screen interactions.
What to watch for
As with any leak based story, readers should await official confirmation from Samsung or more concrete developer previews. If Private Display is real, Samsung will likely detail its triggers, supported regions, and how it will be integrated into One UI 8.5. Until then, the concept remains an intriguing glimpse into how future smartphones could address privacy in public settings.
