What you need to know
- Leaks on social media suggest that Xiaomi is working on a "smart privacy display" feature, similar to Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- This feature would stop prying eyes from viewing your screen from angles; however, it could also alert the user about another person's gaze.
- An automatic function, dubbed "page privacy display" in the leak, states Xiaomi's version would automatically protect your payments, texts, logins, and more.
Following Samsung's Privacy Display for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, rumors said Xiaomi was looking to do the same. A glimpse at how this could work surfaced on social media, claiming Xiaomi is going the "smart" privacy display route.
To end the week, Polish tipster Kacper posted what's been alleged as Xiaomi's upcoming "smart privacy display" on X (via GSMArena). This page is likely tucked into the software's settings page with the following description: "screen visibility is reduced. Your device will alert you when another person's gaze is detected." The "reduced" visibility concerns others peeking at your screen from the side. However, Xiaomi is preparing a little more.
The tipster claims Xiaomi is working on a group or "scenario" feature for its smart privacy display. With this, users can group multiple apps or notifications under the privacy display's protection. If users don't go this route, the tipster suggests Xiaomi will automatically turn on its protections for "specific sensitive pages." A screenshot highlights "page privacy display."
This would turn the feature on in a case-by-case situation. If you're texting, digitally paying, or logging into an account, the privacy display would activate. It appears that users would need to enable this feature.
Taking inspiration
Rumors that Xiaomi might pursue a privacy display like Samsung's started in February. Funnily enough, these rumors surfaced just before Galaxy Unpacked, where the Galaxy S26 Ultra and co. were revealed. A tipster alleged a privacy display similar to Samsung's was being "tested domestically." Xiaomi and Honor were two major companies that might've started chasing this new tech. A few months later, in May, Xiaomi's interest came to the forefront.
It was stated that HyperOS 4.0, Xiaomi's software skin for Android 17, could introduce its privacy display. This could be revealed in October, which might also coincide with its next phone series: the Xiaomi 18, as GSMArena also notes. These phones (18 Pro, 18 Pro Max) are expected to continue that magic back display that was clearly popular for the company.
Android Central's Take
Early rumors said Xiaomi was going to make its version "like" Samsung's, and the rumors now clearly show the angle it's trying to take. Imagine using your phone and seeing a notification that someone is trying to peek at your screen. It's already weird as it is, but if Xiaomi's version goes off without a hitch, it could help. I'm eager to see how this works. What I really need is Xiaomi's live demo, which probably won't happen until October, unless we get teasers beforehand.
