Topic / Subject

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra adds a built-in “Privacy Display,” and a Wall Street Journal column is basically daring Apple to copy the idea fast. 

Key Details

Samsung says the S26 Ultra’s built-in Privacy Display blocks side-angle viewing and can be controlled via software.  AP reports the Privacy Display is Ultra-only at launch, with the Ultra priced at $1,299 and the lineup available starting March 11.  Reuters also notes the Ultra holds at $1,299 and availability begins March 11.  The WSJ argues it’s a legit “anti-shoulder-surfing” security upgrade and says Apple should adopt similar tech. 

Breakdown

This is one of those features that’s instantly understandable: you’re in a coffee shop, on a train, in a packed arena… and your screen isn’t a free show for whoever’s sitting next to you.

Samsung’s pitch is “privacy at the pixel level,” and it’s not the old-school stick-on filter vibe. The whole point (per Samsung + the WSJ writeup) is that it’s built into the display and can be toggled or triggered when you’re doing sensitive stuff. 

The Apple angle is obvious: iPhones are everywhere, and shoulder-surfing is a real-world problem, not a nerdy one. If Samsung’s approach works well in the wild, this becomes the kind of “why doesn’t my phone do that?” feature that pressures everyone else.

What to Watch Next

Whether Samsung expands Privacy Display beyond the Ultra tier in future models.  Any Apple patents/supply-chain chatter that hints iPhone screens are heading this way. Real-world reviews: does it stay sharp head-on, and how annoying is it to toggle on/off?

TL;DR

Samsung’s S26 Ultra brings a built-in privacy screen mode, and WSJ says Apple should copy it ASAP. It’s Ultra-only for now, but it’s the kind of security feature that could spread fast.

Sources

The Wall Street Journal — “Apple Needs to Copy Samsung’s New Security Smartphone Screen ASAP”  Samsung Newsroom — “Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone Yet”  AP — “Samsung rolls out more AI, new privacy shield mode with the new Galaxy S26 lineup” 

Comment

Would you actually use a “privacy screen on demand,” or would you forget it exists until someone peeks at your texts?