Samsung is reportedly improving the Privacy Display feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra with the latest One UI 9 Beta 4 update. The enhancement focuses on picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, making the privacy feature more practical without affecting the rest of the screen.
The update allows users to continue viewing their home screen and other apps normally while keeping sensitive content in the floating PiP window hidden from people nearby. The change has been spotted in the latest beta version of One UI 9, which is based on Android 17.
Privacy
Samsung introduced the Privacy Display feature with the Galaxy S26 Ultra earlier this year.
The feature is designed to protect users from shoulder surfing by limiting screen visibility when viewed from the side. When enabled, the display remains clear for the person holding the phone while appearing dimmed or obscured to others nearby.
Users can activate Privacy Display from the Quick Panel and choose whether to apply it to notifications or specific apps.
Update
According to tipster Ice Universe (@UniverseIce), One UI 9 Beta 4 brings an important improvement to the Privacy Display feature.
Previously, enabling Privacy Display while using picture-in-picture mode would cause the entire screen to be covered by the privacy layer, reducing usability.
With the latest beta update, only the floating PiP window is protected, while the rest of the interface remains fully visible.
PiP
The update is particularly useful for apps such as YouTube that support picture-in-picture playback.
If Privacy Display is enabled for YouTube:
- The floating PiP video window remains hidden from side viewing.
- The home screen stays fully visible.
- Other apps continue to display normally.
- Users can continue multitasking without the entire display being obscured.
This provides a more balanced privacy experience while maintaining normal device functionality.
Functionality
Posts shared on Samsung’s Community forum in Korea suggest the feature continues to work even when users move the PiP window.
According to reports, users can drag the floating video window anywhere on the display, and the Privacy Display layer will continue protecting only that window.
This behavior improves flexibility compared to earlier beta versions.
Beta
The One UI 9 Beta 4 update is currently rolling out to Galaxy S26 Ultra users enrolled in Samsung’s beta programme.
Eligible users can download the update through the Samsung Members app.
Samsung has not yet officially detailed every change included in the latest beta, but the updated Privacy Display functionality has been demonstrated in videos shared online.
Release
The stable version of One UI 9 is expected to launch later this week.
The software will be based on Android 17 and is anticipated to debut alongside Samsung’s upcoming foldable smartphones:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8
- Galaxy Z Flip 8
Additional features and improvements may also be announced when the stable update becomes available.
Samsung’s latest One UI 9 Beta 4 update appears to refine one of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy-focused features by making Privacy Display more useful during picture-in-picture playback. Instead of covering the entire screen, the feature now protects only the floating PiP window while leaving the rest of the interface accessible. If this functionality remains in the stable release, it could offer a more practical balance between privacy and everyday usability.
FAQs
What is Samsung Privacy Display?
It limits side viewing to protect on-screen content.
What changes in One UI 9 Beta 4?
Only the PiP window is covered by Privacy Display.
Which phone gets this update?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra beta currently includes the feature.
How do users enable Privacy Display?
It can be turned on from the Quick Panel.
When is One UI 9 expected to launch?
The stable release is expected later this week.
