Samsung teases a new Galaxy privacy layer to block shoulder surfing, expected to launch with the upcoming Galaxy S26 Series

Samsung is teasing a new privacy feature for Galaxy smartphones that could make using your phone in public a lot more comfortable. In a press release shared with the Samsung community, the company revealed it is working on a new “Galaxy privacy layer” designed to protect users from shoulder surfing, which, simply put, is when someone nearby tries to peek at your screen to see what you’re typing, reading, or unlocking.

According to Samsung, this upcoming feature will give users greater control over what remains visible on their screen in sensitive situations. Users will reportedly be able to customise visibility for certain apps, password entry screens, and notifications through adjustable settings. The company says this protection is built using a mix of hardware and software, introducing what it calls “pixel-level privacy” as part of its broader commitment to security.

Samsung also claims this feature has been in development for a long time. The company says it has spent over five years engineering, testing, and refining the technology. During this process, it studied how people use their phones in real life, what they consider private, and how security should feel in everyday situations. The aim, it seems, is to make privacy protection feel natural rather than intrusive.

While Samsung hasn’t shared full technical details yet, the teaser videos give a good idea of how the feature might work. In the clip, when someone tries to look at the screen from an angle while the user is entering a password or unlocking the phone, certain parts of the display appear darkened or hidden from that side view. Instead of blacking out the entire screen, only specific areas — such as the password section — become difficult to see. This suggests the feature is designed to protect privacy without interrupting normal usage.

For now, Samsung has only teased the feature and hasn’t confirmed when it will officially roll out. That said, it is widely expected to debut alongside the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, which is rumoured to be announced around 25th February 2026. The feature is also expected to reach other Galaxy smartphones, although this may happen after the Galaxy S26 series launch.