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| The display uses a directional-light technique similar to concepts tested by other brands. Pictured: a conceptual image with eyes surrounding the S25 Ultra. |
With the next Galaxy Unpacked event on the horizon, Samsung is poised to redefine smartphone privacy. Leaked information from trusted sources suggests the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a groundbreaking hardware-level Privacy Display, moving far beyond simple software tricks or screen protectors.
The Spotlight on Your Privacy
At the heart of this innovation is a fundamental change in how the screen emits light. According to prominent leaker Ice Universe, Samsung has engineered the S26 Ultra's OLED pixels to emit light in a specific, focused direction.
"I use this image as a visual metaphor to explain the advantage of the S26 Ultra’s privacy screen," Ice Universe stated in a recent post. "Its key strength is that it allows OLED pixels to emit light in a specific direction. Like a spotlight on a stage, the light is focused only on the person standing at the center. People standing on the sides are not blocked from seeing the light, they are simply outside the light beam, so they see nothing."
This stands in stark contrast to traditional displays, like the one found on the current Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which emit light uniformly. Those screens offer nearly 180-degree visibility, making it easy for anyone nearby to glance at your notifications, messages, or banking details.
Beyond a Simple "Privacy Mode"
What makes this feature truly remarkable is its granularity. It's not just an all-or-nothing function. Ice Universe confirms the display supports partial, localized privacy control. This means you could choose to apply the privacy protection only to a specific portion of the screen—such as a sensitive message notification pop-up or a banking app—while leaving the rest of your screen, like a video or a map, fully visible to others.
This level of control addresses a common frustration: the need to frequently toggle settings on and off. With the S26 Ultra's solution, privacy becomes a dynamic, contextual part of the user experience.
A Hardware Revolution, Not a Software Filter
It's crucial to understand that this is not a software-based privacy mode or a physical filter you attach to your phone. Those solutions often dim the screen or reduce clarity for the primary user as well.
As Ice Universe emphasizes, this is a genuine hardware-level innovation. Samsung is adapting mature directional-light concepts used in enterprise privacy monitors and ATM screens, but implementing it at the pixel emission level within a cutting-edge smartphone OLED panel. This structural design change is what allows for the precise beam control without significantly degrading the primary viewing experience.
The Trade-offs and Expectations
No technology is perfect, and directional light emission on displays can introduce challenges. Industry experts note potential trade-offs, such as inconsistency in brightness and color when viewed from non-standard angles, even by the primary user. How Samsung's engineers have tackled these inherent limitations will be a key factor in the feature's real-world success.
If executed well, this innovation could set a new standard for mobile privacy, making sensitive information truly for your eyes only in crowded spaces like commuter trains, coffee shops, and open-plan offices.
Looking Ahead to Unpacked
While Samsung has only begun its official teaser campaign, the detailed leaks paint a compelling picture. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a device that prioritizes user control in a profoundly tangible way.
For comparison, the current flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, offers excellent performance but relies on traditional display technology. You can find it on Amazon while awaiting its successor.
As the launch event approaches, all eyes will be on Samsung to see how this promising privacy technology performs in real-life scenarios. One thing is clear: the battle for screen supremacy is no longer just about resolution and refresh rate—it's about who controls the light.
I use this image as a visual metaphor to explain the advantage of the S26 Ultra’s privacy screen.
— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) January 28, 2026
Its key strength is that it allows OLED pixels to emit light in a specific direction. Like a spotlight on a stage, the light is focused only on the person standing at the center.… https://t.co/zUj8fioYBK pic.twitter.com/jdogl6Lnmz