Leaks have long pointed to a built-in Privacy Display for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, but now, thanks to a new leak, we’ve got a sneak peak at the UI and how it might work.
Last month, a teardown of a One UI 8.5 build revealed references to a “Private Display” feature that supposedly makes it more difficult to see someone’s phone screen at certain angles. The code suggested that this would kick in automatically when certain apps were opened or when the phone detected you were in a busy place – and it looks like this UI leak by @achultra on X more or less confirms that.
Based on the leak, the S26 Ultra has several controls for the Privacy Display, allowing you to decide when the feature kicks in, whether you want it on or off by default, and what content you want to protect. The feature can automatically switch itself on when you’re on public transport or in crowded areas – but how accurate that detection will be remains to be seen.
If true, the feature will also be able to choose what content will be visible when the feature is on. You’ll be able to protect your lock screen details like your PIN, password, or pattern, and certain images in your gallery.
Your notifications and picture-in-picture could also be protected, which is great if you’re heading into a busy meeting.
Of course, none of this is confirmed yet so take it with a pinch of salt. But if it’s true, it fits Samsung’s focus on quality-of-life features rather than radical design shifts and we’re here for it. If it lands, this feature could very well put the S26 Ultra in contention for the best smartphone crown when it releases.
Opinion
If Samsung can make Privacy Display smart enough, it could quickly become one of those set-and-forget features that defines the Ultra line. The hardware already sets a high bar – now it is the software’s turn.
