Anticipation is building for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected to hit global markets early next year. While official confirmations are still pending, a flurry of online leaks and reports has shed light on what could be one of its most innovative features: an advanced display privacy function. Early whispers pointed to a “Flex Magic Pixel” technology, and recent code discoveries strongly reinforce this claim, suggesting an unparalleled level of privacy protection. Interestingly, this cutting-edge feature is expected to be exclusive to the Ultra model in the upcoming series, distinguishing it from its siblings. For now, users of the current Galaxy S25 Ultra can still enhance their privacy with external screen protectors.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Revolutionary ‘Private Display’ Feature
Tech enthusiasts at Android Authority, during their review of the unreleased One UI 8.5 software, uncovered references to a new feature dubbed “Private Display” (and occasionally “Privacy Display”). The presence of minor misspellings within the code suggests that this groundbreaking functionality, slated for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is still very much in its developmental stages. However, the discovery confirms its existence and ongoing work.
Further investigation into the leaked code revealed specific indicators of the feature’s capabilities. It appears the “Private Display” can be automatically activated in crowded environments, hinting at intelligent ambient detection. This privacy-centric innovation is also expected to offer users flexible control, allowing them to switch between “Manual” settings and a “Maximum Privacy” mode. The latter is described as providing “even stronger privacy protection” by significantly dimming the screen, making it incredibly difficult for onlookers to see what’s on your device.
According to the report, certain strings suggest that users will have the power to manually select which applications can utilize this “Private Display” mode, with sensitive apps like banking or financial tools being prime candidates. Furthermore, Galaxy S26 Ultra owners could also schedule the “Private Display” to activate automatically based on their preferences or daily routines.
This advanced privacy system is believed to leverage Samsung Display’s innovative Flex Magic Pixel screen technology, first showcased last year. This remarkable technology dynamically adjusts the screen’s viewing angle, effectively blocking content from anyone not directly in front of the device. When combined with artificial intelligence (AI), this system can significantly enhance user privacy on smart devices without compromising the user’s viewing experience.
Samsung elaborated on this concept, explaining that if a user accesses a banking application in a public setting, the integrated AI could intelligently detect the surroundings and activate enhanced security measures using the Flex Magic Pixel OLED screen. Crucially, unlike conventional privacy films that often reduce brightness and distort image quality, this sophisticated technology provides superior privacy without any degradation to the display’s clarity or vibrance. Reports indicate that this technology is poised for mass production and is set to debut with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, with potential future integration into other foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.