Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 with Privacy Screen

New flagship phone features encrypted storage and angle-limiting display to protect user data.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Samsung is set to unveil its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26, at an Unpacked event on February 25th in San Francisco. The launch will focus on refined features and strategic positioning against competitors like Apple and Google. Samsung is doubling down on its pre-order strategy, offering incentives to lock in early sales and gather customer data. The most intriguing rumor is the potential inclusion of a built-in privacy screen, allowing users to limit the viewing angle of the display and protect sensitive information. This development reflects a growing consumer awareness of privacy and security risks. Samsung is also announcing Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) in the One UI-8 update, creating app-specific encrypted storage to limit data access and enhance user privacy.

Why it matters

The integration of privacy screens and features like KEEP demonstrates a shift towards a more holistic approach to security. It's no longer enough to simply offer strong encryption; manufacturers must also consider the physical security of data and the potential for visual hacking. This focus on on-device security is a key trend as users become increasingly wary of cloud-based data storage and potential breaches.

The details

Samsung's simultaneous announcement of Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) in the One UI-8 update underscores the company's commitment to security. KEEP creates app-specific encrypted storage, limiting data access and enhancing user privacy. The potential inclusion of a built-in privacy screen on the Galaxy S26 Ultra would allow users to limit the viewing angle of their display, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes. This development reflects a growing consumer awareness of privacy and security risks, particularly in public spaces.

  • The official unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is scheduled for February 25th.
  • The Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) feature will be introduced in the One UI-8 update.

The players

Samsung

A multinational electronics company and the world's largest smartphone manufacturer.

Apple

A technology company known for its iPhone and other consumer electronics products.

Google

A multinational technology company that develops and operates internet-related services and products.

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What’s next

The launch of the Galaxy S26 series comes at a critical time, as competitors like Apple and Google prepare to release more affordable models – the iPhone 17e and Google Pixel 10a, respectively. Samsung's flagship line will need to justify its premium price point with innovative features and a compelling user experience.

The takeaway

Samsung's strategy of offering a range of devices – from premium flagships to more affordable options – allows it to cater to a wider audience. This segmentation is crucial in a market where consumers have diverse needs and budgets. The focus on privacy and security features in the Galaxy S26 reflects a growing consumer demand for enhanced data protection, particularly as visual hacking and cloud-based breaches become more prevalent.