For those worried about a stranger on the train peeking at your messages, or an over-controlling partner keeping tabs, Samsung’s next flagship might have the solution.

Leaked code from Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8.5 software points to a feature called Private Display (also referenced as Privacy Display), which is tipped to be used on the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra.

It’s designed to limit screen visibility from side angles, essentially baking a privacy screen protector directly into the phone’s OLED panel.

Instead of sticking on a bulky third-party film that dims your screen, Samsung will use an AI-driven pixel technology called Flex Magic Pixel, recently trademarked by Samsung Display.

The system automatically adjusts the brightness and viewing angle of individual pixels, making the screen appear blacked-out unless you’re looking at it head-on.

Privacy screen protectors like these could soon become a thing of the past

The feature isn’t just manual. According to Android Authority’s findings, it can auto-activate when you open sensitive apps like banking or payments, or when the phone detects you’re in a crowded environment.

There’s even a ‘Maximum Privacy’ mode for extra dimming, plus the option to schedule times or select apps where it should always run.

Samsung first teased this technology back in 2024, calling it a way to “enhance the security of smart devices”.

Mass production has reportedly started, with the S26 Ultra expected to be the first handset to showcase it when the Galaxy S26 lineup launches early next year.

Reports suggest this feature will be hardware-dependent, meaning the cheaper Galaxy S26 models may miss out. That exclusivity could make the Ultra even more appealing for users who prioritise privacy.

Beyond the privacy trick, the S26 Ultra is also rumoured to ship with a brighter, thinner OLED panel using Samsung’s new M14 material set and CoE (Colour-on-Encapsulation) tech, boosting efficiency and lifespan.