Samsung shows off next-gen Privacy Display that could make the Galaxy S27 even better
Source: Android Authority
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Samsung introduced Privacy Display with the Galaxy S26 Ultra to protect sensitive on‑screen content.
- On the S26 U, Privacy Display offers limited partial‑screen support, able to protect notifications.
- At MWC, Samsung is showing off its next‑gen Privacy Display, with more flexible partial‑screen coverage.
Privacy Display Overview
Samsung’s Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a software‑switchable privacy filter that hides screen content from side‑viewers. The device’s panel uses two types of sub‑pixels:
- Narrow‑viewing‑angle sub‑pixels – visible only from straight ahead.
- Wide‑viewing‑angle sub‑pixels – visible from the side.
In normal mode both sub‑pixel types are active. When Privacy Display is enabled, the wide‑viewing‑angle sub‑pixels turn off, limiting visibility to a direct line of sight.
Current usage
- Full‑screen mode – activates privacy filtering across the entire display.
- Conditional mode – activates only in specific contexts (e.g., a particular app, a notification, or while entering a PIN/password).
These use‑cases are useful, but Samsung is already demonstrating more granular control at MWC.
What’s next for Privacy Display?
The upcoming version will allow selective protection of arbitrary screen regions, extending the partial‑screen capability beyond notifications to larger, user‑defined areas. Samsung says this is enabled by newer hardware rather than a software update to the existing S26 Ultra panel.
While details are scarce, a Samsung Display executive hinted that the next‑gen Privacy Display could appear on a future flagship (potentially the S27 series). It’s unclear whether the feature will debut on this year’s foldables, but the prospect of broader privacy controls is promising.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Privacy Display
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Power AI features
- MSRP: $1,299.99
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Ultra yet, featuring a 6.9‑inch 10‑bit display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a redesigned cooling system, a 200 MP main camera, upgraded zoom, advanced 8K video capabilities, and exclusive privacy and AI tools.