You’ve probably seen those privacy screen protectors that narrow the viewing angle on a phone or laptop so only the person looking straight on can see the display. Samsung seems to have found a way to build that same functionality directly into its screens—no extra film required—and the best part is, you’ll be able to turn it on or off whenever you want.
The feature, called Privacy Display, was first discovered in One UI 8.5 code with the description: “Limits screen visibility from side angles to protect your privacy in public.”
X user Ach has since shared screenshots showing how Samsung imagines the setting will work. There’s an Auto Privacy option that switches the mode on in crowded spaces like buses, trains, or elevators, and you can also schedule when it activates. Users will even be able to choose specific apps where Privacy Display is enabled.
It doesn’t seem to be an all-or-nothing feature, either. From the menus, it looks like you’ll be able to hide only certain parts of the display—like notifications, a picture-in-picture window, or gallery photos marked as private. Even your lock screen PIN, password, or pattern input can be shielded.
For those who want maximum protection, there’s a setting that dims the screen brightness when Privacy Display is active, making it even harder for anyone nearby to sneak a look.
The catch? This feature appears tied to new hardware. According to Ach, it’s expected to debut on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so older devices—even with One UI 8.5—likely won’t get it. And given Samsung’s track record, the Ultra model may be the only one in the S26 line equipped with this tech.
