I tried the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Here’s why Apple should worry.

It’s what you don’t see.

Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

I walked into Unpacked, the event in San Francisco where the company unveiled its Galaxy s26 lineup, as … well, not quite a card-carrying Apple fan, but let’s just say my iPhone, iPad, Airpods, and Macbook came with. I was there to report on the launch, not to be tempted by anything an Android phone could offer. The last thing I expected was the Galaxy S26 Ultra giving me a really compelling reason to switch to the Samsung side. But that’s exactly what happened when I spent some hands-on time at Unpacked with the top-of-the-range device. It’s not about the thinness and lightness of the S26 Ultra, though that is noticeable. The deep, shiny ‘cobalt violet’ shade is very much my vibe, though even the most alluring purple color isn’t likely to make me end a 17-year relationship with iPhones.

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And it isn’t about the Ultra’s camera, as undeniably fantastic as its specs are. I did think I might prefer that slim 3-camera notch on the back to the hideously large bump (which we’re supposed to call a plateau) on the iPhone 17 … until I put the Galaxy S26 Ultra on a table, screen up … and it tilted noticeably to one side. Oh, I found myself thinking, so that’s why Apple went with the bump. No, it was one privacy screen feature that bewitched me. Not the S26 Ultra’s ability to prevent what Samsung called ‘shoulder surfing,’ but an option the company barely flagged at all in its keynote — the ability to limit the privacy screen to your notifications alone. Privacy, please

Don’t ruin the surprise!

Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

Sure, ‘shoulder surfing’ can sometimes be a problem in a crowded situation, such as public transit, if you happen to be looking at something sensitive. (But really, can’t it just wait until you get off the bus?)

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In our smartphone-driven world, however, there’s a problem we come across more frequently — a situation where we actively want to share something on our screen, be it a hilarious meme or a takeout menu, but feel anxious about the possibility of revealing messages popping up while we do so.

I’m not the only person who has had to get very good at pretending I didn’t just see that very personal message pop up on a friend’s phone while they were really eager to show me something else. Nor am I the only smartphone user who tries hard to remember to activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ before such potentially embarrassing moments.

Why Apple Should Worry

The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy screen feature is a must-have, and the iPhone doesn’t have it. With this feature, users can limit the privacy screen to their notifications alone, making it easier to share sensitive information without worrying about others seeing it. This is a game-changer in today’s smartphone-driven world, where we often find ourselves in situations where we want to share something on our screen but feel anxious about revealing messages popping up while we do so.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy screen settings are also surprisingly customizable, allowing users to pick and choose which apps always get the privacy screen treatment. This is a no-brainer when you think about it; you’re probably always going to want to keep your banking app private, for example. We’re sure you’re thinking of other examples right now. The point is, you should be free to do you.

So, is this built-in, highly customizable privacy shield enough to make me switch to the Samsung side? The answer is yes. The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy screen feature is a must-have, and the iPhone doesn’t have it. With this feature, users can limit the privacy screen to their notifications alone, making it easier to share sensitive information without worrying about others seeing it.

Conclusion

FAQs

Q: What is the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy screen feature?

A: The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy screen feature allows users to limit the privacy screen to their notifications alone, making it easier to share sensitive information without worrying about others seeing it.

Q: Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy screen feature customizable?

A: Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s privacy screen settings are surprisingly customizable, allowing users to pick and choose which apps always get the privacy screen treatment.

Q: Does the iPhone have a similar privacy screen feature?

A: No, the iPhone does not have a similar privacy screen feature.