Why the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's biggest upgrade won't be its camera or processor for me

Source: ZDNet

We’re still waiting for Samsung to announce when and where its next Unpacked event will happen, but a recent feature teaser is already getting me excited for the expected Galaxy S26 series and One UI 8.5.

There’s no official name for the feature yet, so let’s call it Privacy Display — a built‑in, highly customizable privacy screen that blocks parts of the display when viewed from an angle.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• A confirmed Samsung feature allows its phones to block out parts of the screen when viewed at an angle.

• The privacy display feature will likely debut with the Galaxy S26 series at Unpacked.

• Users can customize which parts of the screen are blocked and turn the feature off altogether.

• Related article: Samsung Unpacked 2026: 5 biggest rumors I’m seeing on Galaxy S26 Ultra, Buds 4 Pro, more

Privacy Display effectively blocks out parts of the phone screen when viewed at an angle, preventing snoopers and nosy passersby from seeing essential information. Think of a privacy screen protector, but built into the phone and far more customizable.

How it works

Samsung achieves this through pixel‑level light control, adjusting OLED emission so that light only shines toward the user when facing the screen directly. As you pan left or right, the areas you’ve set to be private fade to black.

Unlike a physical privacy screen protector, the feature does not reduce overall brightness or color depth.

Exclusive!
The privacy screen on the Samsung S26 Ultra goes far beyond a global privacy mode. It also supports partial, localized privacy control.
— Ice Universe, January 28 2026
Tweet with illustration

What Samsung hasn’t confirmed yet

While Privacy Display is promising, several questions remain:

• Which models will support the feature? Rumors suggest the Ultra may be the first (or only) device to receive it.

• Will users be able to enable Privacy Display per app, or only for priority notifications?

• Related article: If these Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors are true, I might finally put my Google Pixel loyalty to rest

Bottom line (for now)

Practical security upgrades like Privacy Display should have broad appeal, whether you’re a commuter on a crowded train or a business user handling confidential spreadsheets and emails. Because the feature integrates with Samsung Knox, IT departments can also enforce it on corporate‑managed devices.