Inside One UI 8.5: A Closer Look at Samsung’s Next-Generation Privacy Display Technology
Inside One UI 8.5: Samsung is preparing to introduce a new layer of smartphone privacy with its upcoming flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to details emerging from the One UI 8.5 beta firmware, the company is working on an advanced, AI-driven feature called Privacy Display. This innovation is designed to protect sensitive on-screen information by limiting visibility from side angles, a growing concern in public environments. The feature has reportedly been discovered within the Samsung Tips app included in the beta software, giving users an early glimpse of how Samsung plans to approach visual privacy in the near future.
Understanding the Concept of Privacy Display
The Privacy Display feature focuses on reducing screen readability when the device is viewed from angles other than straight-on. In practical use, the display appears normal to the user holding the phone directly, but it becomes dimmer or darker for anyone attempting to glance at it from the side. This approach mirrors the effect of traditional privacy screen protectors but relies entirely on software intelligence and display hardware rather than external accessories.
How One UI 8.5 Enables This Feature
Within the One UI 8.5 beta, Privacy Display appears as a built-in option that can be accessed directly through the Settings application. Users may also find a convenient toggle in the Quick Panel, allowing instant activation or deactivation. This ensures that privacy control remains flexible and user-friendly, adapting easily to different usage scenarios such as commuting, traveling, or working in shared spaces.
Smart Automation with Modes and Routines
One of the most notable aspects of this feature is its integration with Samsung’s Modes and Routines system. Users can define conditions under which the Privacy Display automatically turns on or off. For example, the phone could enable the feature when it detects a public location or workplace and disable it at home. This automation reduces the need for manual control and highlights Samsung’s increasing focus on context-aware user experiences.
Role of Advanced Display Technology
Privacy Display is said to rely on Samsung Display’s Flex Magic Pixel technology. This specialized display solution allows precise control over viewing angles without significantly affecting brightness or color accuracy for the primary user. Because of this hardware dependency, the feature may not be available across all models in the Galaxy S26 lineup. Current information suggests it could remain exclusive to the Ultra variant, at least during the initial launch phase.
AI Integration and Practical Benefits
Artificial intelligence plays a key role in optimizing the Privacy Display. AI algorithms can dynamically adjust dimming levels based on ambient light and user behavior, ensuring that privacy does not come at the cost of usability. This intelligent adjustment helps maintain readability for the owner while minimizing visibility for others, creating a balanced and practical solution for everyday use.
Expected Launch Timeline and Availability
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in February, following its traditional release schedule. Alongside the Ultra model, standard and Plus variants are also anticipated. While references to the privacy feature surfaced months ago, the One UI 8.5 beta provides the clearest indication yet that Samsung is actively preparing the technology for consumer use.
Key Hardware Specifications of Galaxy S26 Ultra
Beyond privacy enhancements, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 6.9-inch M14 Quad HD+ CoE Dynamic AMOLED display capable of reaching up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness. Performance expectations include up to 16GB of RAM and storage options going as high as 1TB. Powering the device could be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with a 5,000mAh battery and support for 60W wired fast charging. A quad rear camera setup is also expected, continuing Samsung’s focus on mobile photography excellence.
Why Privacy Display Matters for Users
As smartphones increasingly handle personal, financial, and professional data, screen privacy has become more important than ever. Samsung’s Privacy Display represents a forward-looking solution that blends hardware innovation with intelligent software. If implemented effectively, it could set a new standard for privacy-focused smartphone design and influence how other manufacturers approach similar challenges.