Samsung shows off new display tech that adds a privacy screen to apps and notifications
Source: TechCrunch
Overview
At Samsung’s Galaxy S26 live event on February 25, 2026, the company introduced a new display technology that lets users enable a privacy mode on a per‑app basis, preventing “shoulder surfing.” Unlike traditional privacy films, which dim the screen and make sharing content difficult, this solution offers a smarter, more flexible alternative.
How the Technology Works
Samsung calls the architecture Black Matrix. It uses two types of pixels:
- Narrow pixels – narrow the light path emitted from each pixel, precisely controlling what is visible when privacy mode is on.
- Wide pixels – work with the narrow pixels when privacy mode is off, delivering light in every direction.
When privacy mode is enabled, the narrow pixels restrict the viewing angle, effectively blacking out the screen from side angles. When disabled, the wide pixels restore a normal, full‑view display.
Customization
The Privacy Display feature is configurable:
- App‑specific privacy – you can set certain apps (e.g., messaging or banking) to always display in private mode while leaving others normal.
- Notification privacy – specific alerts can be blacked out when viewed from a side angle.
- Maximum privacy protection – intensifies the effect by dimming bright areas and lifting darker ones.
Availability
The privacy screen will debut on the high‑end Galaxy S26 Ultra, which also features upgraded AI capabilities and a custom chipset.
During the live demo, creator Miles Franklin (MilesAboveTech) showed the feature working as advertised, even for small screen elements like individual notifications.
Background
Samsung had previously teased the technology in a January 2026 article, noting that it would protect users when entering PINs, patterns, or passcodes and would work with specific apps.