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

Samsung One UI 8.5 Brings AI-Powered Privacy Display to Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung is preparing to launch One UI 8.5 alongside the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in early 2026, and leaked features from the beta testing phase reveal a significant focus on privacy protection. The Privacy Display feature, discovered hidden in the beta code by SamMobile, addresses a common security concern: people reading your phone screen over your shoulder in crowded spaces 1

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. This AI feature works by narrowing viewing angles to make content nearly invisible from the side, functioning like built-in screen protectors but with intelligent activation 2

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The Privacy Display feature operates through Flex Magic Pixel OLED technology, which adjusts pixels dynamically without compromising screen vibrancy when viewed directly. According to leaked screenshots from the Tips app, users can toggle Privacy Display manually or enable it automatically based on specific criteria, such as when you're away from home 1

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. The feature detects crowded locations like buses, trains, or cafes and automatically activates to keep prying eyes away from sensitive information 2

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How Privacy Display Works on Galaxy S26 Phones

Leaks from SammyGuru include an animation demonstrating how the screen darkens at an angle, with tipster @UniverseIce confirming the animation shows an accurate rendering of the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra 1

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. Users will find Privacy Display controls under Settings > Display, with options for manual or auto modes accessible through a Quick Settings toggle 2

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. The auto privacy mode detects crowded locations and sensitive apps automatically, while maximum privacy mode provides stronger side-view protection by dimming the screen more intensely.

Custom triggers allow users to activate the feature for specific situations, including viewing protected photos, entering lock screen PINs, checking bank apps, or using picture-in-picture mode 2

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. This makes the feature particularly valuable for commuters who frequently check emails or payment apps in public spaces, eliminating the need to manually tilt phones or adjust brightness when someone sits nearby.

Bixby Integration with Perplexity AI Expands Samsung's AI Capabilities

Beyond privacy enhancements, One UI 8.5 leaks also reveal Samsung's Bixby integration with Perplexity AI, a partnership previously rumored but now confirmed through beta code discoveries. Tipster @thatjoshguy69 shared screenshots showing Bixby running queries through Perplexity, delivering detailed answers with links back to sources and a Perplexity button at the end of responses 1

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. This arrangement mirrors Apple's partnership between Siri and ChatGPT, raising questions about how Samsung will position both Gemini and Bixby on its devices while maintaining its relationship with Google 1

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What to Expect from the Software Update Launch

Neither Privacy Display nor Bixby with Perplexity AI are currently live in the One UI 8.5 beta—both remain hidden in the code awaiting official activation 1

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. The software update is expected to launch with Android 16 on the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display sometime in February 2026 2

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. As the Galaxy S26 launch approaches, Samsung should provide official announcements detailing these features and their availability across its device lineup. The Privacy Display feature represents a significant step forward in mobile security, addressing real-world privacy concerns without requiring external accessories or compromising display quality.