Samsung’s next Ultra phone could bring one of its most meaningful upgrades in a place many people overlook: the glass covering the display. Fresh leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected to follow the Galaxy S25 Ultra, may arrive with a next-generation Gorilla Glass designed to boost durability, cut reflections, and introduce a built-in privacy feature.
The current Galaxy S25 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which is already known for strong scratch and impact resistance while also helping reduce glare from surrounding light. Now, a well-known leaker claims Samsung is preparing an updated Gorilla Glass for the Galaxy S26 Ultra that improves the experience in three major ways.
First, the new glass is said to incorporate Colour Filter on Encapsulation (COE) technology. In practical terms, this could eliminate the need for an external polariser layer. If that holds true, the screen could become thinner and more power-efficient, while also reducing reflections even further. For everyday use, that can mean a display that stays clearer outdoors and is easier to read under harsh lighting.
Second, the surface is rumored to be even harder than before. A tougher top layer typically translates into better scratch resistance, which is exactly what many buyers want from a premium flagship—especially people who carry their phone daily without a case or who frequently place it on desks, counters, and other rough surfaces.
Third, this next-gen Gorilla Glass may enable Samsung’s upcoming Privacy Display feature. Based on a previously leaked animation, switching on Privacy Display would sharply narrow the viewing angles, making the screen far more difficult to read from the sides. It’s a simple idea with big benefits: whether you’re replying to a message on public transport, reviewing a boarding pass at the gate, or checking a bank app in a crowded café, the feature could help stop shoulder-surfing without needing a special privacy accessory.
The same leak even hints that the Galaxy S26 Ultra might make many common screen protectors feel unnecessary. If the glass truly becomes significantly more scratch-resistant, buyers may be less worried about adding an extra layer on top. And if reflectivity is reduced while Privacy Display is built in, the usual reasons for buying matte or privacy protectors could fade as well.
Still, even with major improvements, the screen protector market likely won’t disappear. Many people prefer the peace of mind that comes from an added sacrificial layer—especially when they’ve spent flagship-level money on a phone. Some users also like protectors for reducing fingerprints or for making the screen feel smoother to swipe on, regardless of how advanced the original glass becomes.
If these rumors are accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display could end up being more than just bright and sharp—it could be tougher, more efficient, easier to view in real-world lighting, and more private when you need it most.
