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Rumored Galaxy S26 Ultra feature is so genius that Apple has decided to copy it

The phone's privacy display tech has reportedly influenced Apple's product strategy.

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By Anam Hamid

Published: Feb 15, 2026, 10:09 PM

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apple copying galaxy s26 ultra privacy display

A conceptual rendition of the Galaxy S26 Ultra 's privacy display feature. | Image by Ice Universe

Every once in a while, a company introduces a feature so iconic that rivals have no choice but to follow suit. While the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra may not deliver the battery or camera upgrades fans were hoping for, it will reportedly boast a game-changing privacy display. Apple is reportedly keeping a close watch and may even adopt the tech in the future.

Solving a nuisance

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's rumored privacy display has caught Apple's attention. | Image by Ice Universe

The privacy display feature will leverage a blend of screen tech and AI to obscure screen content from anyone viewing the device at an angle. This will prevent snoopers from viewing what's on the screen, giving you peace of mind that your texts, financial apps, images, and other elements aren't visible to anyone.

Citing a report from the intelligence firm Omdia, leaker Ice Universe has revealed that Apple is planning to copy the feature. The iPhone might not be the first in line, though. Instead, the 2029 MacBook line might come with the tech.

Already making waves

For the Galaxy S26 Ultra's display feature to have made a mark on Apple is a good sign. Apple isn't necessarily easily impressed and takes a long time to bring features introduced by other phone makers to its lineup. The notch and the always-on display are some recent examples.

Apple's apparent decision to release MacBooks with the privacy display tech as soon as 2029 speaks to the potential of the feature. It may even trickle down to its phone in the future, for all we know.

Do you plan to buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra for the privacy display?

A true selling point?

While the Galaxy S26 Ultra's privacy screen tool sure sounds impressive, only time will tell if it will actually move the needle for customers. Granted, in our hypermobile world we don't always have a private corner to retreat to when handling sensitive information such as passwords or secretive messages, but few people would want to buy the device for this feature alone. It's still a very practical feature, and could very well become what the Galaxy S26 Ultra is known for.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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