Samsung shows off Privacy Display tech that could make the Galaxy S27 even better (Updated: Clarification)
Source: 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 Privacy Display tech with more flexible partial‑screen coverage.
Update (March 4 2026, 7:58 AM ET)
Samsung Display clarified that the partial‑privacy displays demonstrated at its MWC booth are not next‑generation Privacy Displays. The capabilities shown are already achievable with the current Flex Magic Pixel (FMP) technology and do not require new hardware.
Original article (March 3 2026, 10:49 AM ET)
Samsung’s new software‑switchable privacy filter on the Galaxy S26 Ultra protects sensitive information from prying eyes. The feature works by using a screen built with two types of sub‑pixels—narrow‑viewing‑angle and wide‑viewing‑angle. When Privacy Display is enabled, the wide‑angle sub‑pixels are turned off, limiting visibility to a straight‑ahead view.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers two main ways to use Privacy Display:
- Full‑screen mode – activates the filter across the entire display.
- Conditional mode – activates only in specific contexts, such as within a particular app, when viewing a notification, or while entering a PIN/password.
These use cases are sensible, but many other scenarios could benefit from screen privacy—for example, hiding on‑screen keyboard input. Samsung Display is already showcasing possibilities for a next‑generation Privacy Display at MWC.
What’s next for Privacy Display?
Beyond the current capabilities on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung Display is developing technology that allows selective protection of specific screen regions. This expands on the existing notification‑only partial privacy feature, enabling much larger areas to be concealed. Samsung indicated that this advancement requires newer hardware and cannot be added to the S26 Ultra via a software update.
While details are still scarce, a company executive hinted that the next‑gen Privacy Display could appear on a future Galaxy handset, potentially the upcoming S27 series. There is no confirmation that it will be included in this year’s foldable devices, but the prospect of enhanced privacy features in next year’s flagship is promising.
Key specifications
- 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.