Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's New Privacy Display Feature

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Samsung’s latest Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces Privacy Display technology, putting users in control of what’s visible on their screen and offering an innovative solution to smartphone privacy concerns. On Tech News Weekly, Jason Howell joined Mikah Sargent to unpack the biggest announcements from Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked—and the standout new feature everyone is talking about is Privacy Display.

What Is Privacy Display and Why Does It Matter?

Privacy Display is a technology that allows the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to obscure sensitive information from side views. When activated, only the person looking directly at the screen can read what’s displayed. Anyone trying to peek from an angle—such as someone next to you on a bus, subway, or in a crowded office—will see a blurred or darkened screen instead.

According to Jason Howell on Tech News Weekly, this feature goes beyond traditional privacy screen protectors. Users can now set Privacy Display to cover specific apps or even particular notifications, giving unprecedented control over what’s visible to others. For example, you might choose to hide banking information, messages, or emails from onlookers, while keeping other content unrestricted.

How Does Privacy Display Work?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra utilizes specialized display technology that projects pixels in a more focused direction, preventing them from scattering light sideways. This technical solution means that when Privacy Display is enabled, off-axis viewing is no longer possible for designated content.

Users can switch Privacy Display on or off manually, set it for particular apps, or assign it to certain types of notifications (like banking alerts or private messages). The screen remains fully visible straight on, but anything outside the specified viewing angle fades into obscurity.

Who Will Benefit from Samsung’s Privacy Display?

Samsung’s innovation isn’t just for tech enthusiasts. According to Mikah Sargent, many everyday users already turn to privacy screen protectors. Privacy Display takes this convenience even further—built into the device, with customizable options for different situations.

Anyone concerned with mobile privacy—professionals, frequent travelers, students, and everyday smartphone users—will find this feature useful. Imagine checking sensitive work information or personal banking details in a public place without worrying about unwanted glances.

AI Features and Other Upgrades from Galaxy Unpacked

While Privacy Display stole the show, Samsung also introduced a variety of new AI-powered features. The S26 lineup—including the Ultra, Plus, and standard models—integrates agentic AI that can automate tasks like ordering rides or food, thanks to partnerships with Google’s Gemini and Perplexity. Improved camera hardware, faster charging, and upgraded earbuds round out Samsung’s push for cutting-edge mobile tech.

Samsung’s approach is AI-fluid, meaning the devices can use multiple AI models for different functions, including voice assistants and online search. This signals the brand’s commitment to making AI relevant for real-world tasks—streamlining everyday actions on your smartphone.

Key Takeaways

• Privacy Display is Samsung’s headline feature, giving users control over who can see their screen.
• The technology obscures off-angle views and can be customized for apps or notifications.
• Samsung is targeting both tech enthusiasts and mainstream users who value privacy in public spaces.
• The S26 Ultra is slimmer, lighter, and packed with camera and charging upgrades.
• AI features include automation with Gemini and Perplexity and improved voice assistant capabilities.
• The new lineup (Ultra, Plus, standard S26) offers options for power users and general buyers.
• Samsung’s earbuds have also been refreshed with improved sound and design.
• Privacy Display is expected to influence industry trends—other manufacturers may adopt similar solutions.

The Bottom Line

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra breaks new ground with Privacy Display, offering practical privacy protection in everyday scenarios. By combining AI innovations with user-focused design, Samsung positions the S26 as a must-watch contender in the smartphone market. If privacy and productivity matter to you, this is a feature worth considering before your next upgrade.

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