Samsung’s One UI 9 beta introduces a refined Privacy Display feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, allowing users to apply off-angle filtering specifically to picture-in-picture (PiP) media windows. According to reports from users testing the beta software, specifically build version BZG4, the display now isolates privacy filters to small video players on the homescreen without obscuring the rest of the interface.
How Privacy Display Works with PiP Media
The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses hardware-level display filtering to limit viewing angles, a feature Samsung markets as Privacy Display. Previously, this function was primarily a binary choice—either active for the entire screen or disabled. With the latest One UI 9 update, as noted by tech observer @UniverseIce on X, users can now selectively apply this filter to specific applications.
When a supported app, such as YouTube, is minimized into a PiP window, the Privacy Display filter automatically engages only for that small window. This allows the user to maintain full visibility of their homescreen while keeping sensitive video content hidden from those sitting to their left or right. The remainder of the display remains unaffected by the filtering, preserving standard brightness and color accuracy for other tasks.
Pro Tip: To use this feature, ensure you have individually toggled the specific app within your Privacy Display settings. The feature will not activate if the system-wide Privacy Display mode is toggled off.
Device Requirements and Current Beta Status
This functionality is currently restricted to the Galaxy S26 Ultra hardware, which possesses the necessary display layers to support directional light filtering. As of July 21, 2026, the feature is live within the One UI 9 beta program. Testing on internal units confirms the capability is present in build version BZG4.
While this update enhances privacy, it does not eliminate visibility entirely. The display technology remains subject to physical limitations, meaning determined onlookers at extreme angles may still catch glimpses of content. Samsung’s implementation serves as a deterrent rather than a total blackout solution.
Future Trends in Mobile Privacy Hardware
The integration of software-controlled directional display filters signals a shift toward more granular privacy management in mobile devices. Industry trends suggest that manufacturers are moving away from “all-or-nothing” security settings in favor of contextual privacy. By allowing users to choose exactly which app or notification window requires a privacy filter, Samsung is reducing the trade-off between display quality and personal security.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Privacy Display affect the whole screen? It can, but the new One UI 9 update allows you to restrict it to specific apps, like your video player.
- Can I use this on any Galaxy device? No, this feature is currently specific to the Galaxy S26 Ultra due to the required hardware display components.
- Is the filter 100% effective? No. It significantly reduces visibility from off-angles, but it is not a complete privacy blackout for all viewing positions.
- How do I enable this? You must select specific apps in the Privacy Display section of your settings menu and ensure the feature is active.
Have you tried the new Privacy Display settings on your Galaxy S26 Ultra? Share your experience with the beta version in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on One UI 9 features.
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