Samsung One UI 8.5 leaks reveal Privacy Display that keeps prying eyes away from your screen

One UI 8.5 leaks show off Samsung's new Privacy Display feature for phones, and Bixby powered by Perplexity AI

Samsung One UI 8.5 is currently in beta testing, and expected to drop alongside the Galaxy S26 phones sometime in February - and as the beta program continues, we're getting some sneak previews of the software features on the way to the best Samsung phones. First up, SamMobile has found a new Privacy Display feature hidden away in the One UI 8.5 beta code. This feature was leaked last year, and essentially makes it harder for anyone to see your phone screen from an angle, once it's been activated in Settings. In this new leak, we can see how the Privacy Display feature is presented in the Tips app. The info screen reveals that Privacy Display can be toggled on and off manually, or enabled automatically based on certain criteria (such as when you're away from home). The same screens have been dug out by SammyGuru, with an extra animation included that shows how the screen darkens at an angle. As per tipster @UniverseIce, the animation actually shows an accurate rendering of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. That's not all we've got from One UI 8.5 today. Tipster @thatjoshguy69 has posted a look at Samsung's Bixby AI running on the software, with extra powers provided by Perplexity - a partnership that we had already heard was on the way. The interface is pretty much as you would expect: run a query, Bixby checks the web, and you get a detailed answer with links back to sources. The only real giveaway that another AI bot is involved is the Perplexity button at the end of the answer. This seems to be a similar arrangement to the one Apple and Siri have with ChatGPT, and it raises one or two questions about how Samsung will position both Gemini and Bixby on its phones going forward (it'll still want to stay friendly with Google, of course). Neither Privacy Display nor Bixby with Perplexity are live in One UI 8.5 yet - they're both hidden away in the beta code. As the launch of the software update approaches, we should hear some official announcements from Samsung about these features.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's New Privacy Feature Keeps Prying Eyes Away - Phandroid

Ever catch someone reading your texts over your shoulder on the train? Samsung's fixing that problem with the Galaxy S26 Ultra's new Privacy Display feature. Recent One UI 8.5 leaks reveal how this built-in screen tech uses AI to stop people from peeking at your phone in public places. The Privacy Display works by narrowing viewing angles when you need it most. AI detects crowded spots like buses, trains, or cafes and automatically adjusts pixels to make content nearly invisible from the side. It also kicks in when you're entering PINs, checking bank apps, or viewing notifications. Think of it like those stick-on privacy screen protectors, except this one's built right into the display and only activates when necessary. According to leaked screenshots from One UI 8.5, you'll find Privacy Display controls under Settings > Display. The feature offers manual or auto modes with a Quick Settings toggle for easy access. Auto privacy mode detects crowded locations and sensitive apps automatically, while maximum privacy mode dims the screen more for stronger side-view protection. You can also set custom triggers for specific situations like viewing protected photos, entering your lock screen PIN, or using picture-in-picture mode. The Galaxy S26 Ultra pairs this privacy tech with special Flex Magic Pixel OLED technology. Unlike sticky films that dull colors everywhere, this system maintains full screen vibrancy when you're viewing solo. The feature is expected to launch with Android 16 and One UI 8.5 on the S26 Ultra's 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display in early 2026. This makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra privacy feature perfect for commuters who constantly check emails or payments in crowded spaces. No more awkwardly tilting your phone or manually dimming the screen when someone sits next to you.