Technology

Apple’s MacBook lineup may soon adopt a privacy feature currently found on Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, offering users a latest layer of screen security. The potential shift highlights an interesting trend in the tech industry – competitors borrowing innovations from one another – and addresses a growing concern about visual privacy in public spaces. This comes as users increasingly rely on laptops in coffee shops, airplanes, and other public settings where sensitive information could be exposed to onlookers.

The feature, which limits screen visibility from side angles, aims to combat the “shoulder surfing” problem exacerbated by modern displays with wide viewing angles. Even as once a limitation of older technology, wide viewing angles have become standard, inadvertently making it easier for others to see what’s on a user’s screen. The move towards enhanced privacy on laptops represents a shift in focus, acknowledging the need to balance usability with data protection.

Samsung is preparing to launch its Galaxy S26 Ultra, which will showcase this new “Privacy Display” technology. According to reports, the system combines hardware and software, utilizing what Samsung calls “Flex Magic Pixel” display technology to manipulate viewing angles. Users will have granular control, enabling privacy mode across the entire screen, restricting visibility within specific apps, or protecting only a selected portion of the display. This level of customization allows users to tailor their privacy settings to their specific needs, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.

Market research firm Omdia, as reported by tipster Ice Universe, anticipates Apple will integrate a similar technology into MacBooks around 2029. The delay is likely due to several factors, including the fact that the Samsung feature relies on OLED technology, which Apple has been gradually adopting for its MacBook lineup. Adapting the technology to larger laptop displays presents a unique engineering challenge for Samsung.

From Narrow Angles to Privacy Concerns

Interestingly, the current prevalence of wide viewing angles on MacBooks represents a reversal of a previous design challenge. Early laptop displays suffered from narrow viewing angles, requiring users to be positioned directly in front of the screen for optimal visibility. Apple was among the first manufacturers to embrace wide-angle displays, solving this usability issue. However, this improvement has inadvertently created a privacy vulnerability, leading some users to purchase third-party privacy screens to restore the narrower viewing angles of older technology. These screens, like the Kensington Privacy Screen shown here, offer a physical barrier to side viewing.

How Samsung’s Privacy Display Works

Samsung’s Privacy Display isn’t simply a matter of dimming the screen. It offers a more sophisticated approach, allowing for wide-angle viewing by default while providing the option to switch to narrow-angle viewing when needed. This is particularly useful for sensitive tasks like entering passwords or viewing confidential documents. The technology allows users to customize privacy settings for specific apps or even just notification pop-ups, offering a flexible and tailored experience. As 9to5Mac notes, this approach offers a significant improvement over simple dimming or blur filters, which can still leak information from certain angles.

What This Means for MacBooks

If Apple adopts this technology, it’s likely to be deeply integrated into macOS, functioning as a built-in privacy control rather than a simple toggle. The company may initially reserve the feature for high-end MacBook Pro models or offer it as an optional upgrade, similar to its nano-texture screen option. This aligns with Apple’s broader focus on on-device security and user privacy. The MacObserver reports that Apple is actively studying Samsung’s technology, suggesting a serious consideration of its implementation.

The integration of this privacy display technology into MacBooks, anticipated around 2029, represents a proactive step towards addressing the evolving privacy concerns of laptop users. As reliance on mobile computing in public spaces continues to grow, features that protect sensitive information from prying eyes will become increasingly important.

What are your thoughts on this potential feature? Share your comments below and let us know how you prioritize privacy in your digital life.

Uber Eats is planning a return to the Romanian market later this year, following a nearly four-year absence. The food delivery service initially launched in Romania in 2018 before withdrawing in 2020, citing a need to concentrate on more profitable markets. This re-entry is part of a broader expansion strategy for Uber Eats, which aims to launch in seven new markets throughout 2026, building on what the company describes as its strongest year of growth in Europe to date in 2025.

The move signals a renewed confidence in the Romanian market and reflects Uber Eats’ ambition to become a leading food delivery platform across Europe. Currently, the app facilitates deliveries from over one million restaurants and merchants in more than 10,000 cities worldwide. The company believes Romania presents significant opportunities to connect local businesses with a wider customer base and provide a convenient delivery option for consumers.

“We are remarkably pleased to expand into Romania and see enormous potential here to make everyday life easier,” stated Courtney Tims, Regional General Manager for Western and Southern Europe at Uber Eats. “With our launch, people in Romania will have a new, convenient way to shop from their favorite local businesses at the tap of a button – fast and reliable, as they expect from Uber. At the same time, we provide local merchants with a platform to reach more customers than ever before and continue growing their business in the digital economy.”

Uber Eats’ platform is designed to benefit both consumers and merchants. For businesses, ranging from small family-owned restaurants to larger retail chains, the service offers access to Uber’s extensive user base and established delivery network. The platform also provides tools for data analytics and marketing support, aiming to help merchants optimize their operations and improve service quality. The app will be localized for the Romanian market, offering language support and integration with commonly used payment methods.

Previous Exit and Market Conditions

Uber Eats’ initial withdrawal from Romania in 2020 came as the company refocused its resources on key markets. At the time, a Reddit post from May 17, 2020, highlighted concerns from delivery workers regarding the abrupt announcement and the removal of incentives in the final weeks of operation [Reddit]. The company reportedly gave employees only a month’s notice before shutting down operations. A report from Romania Insider confirmed the closure in early June 2020 [Romania Insider]. The market landscape has evolved since then, with competing delivery services establishing a stronger presence.

Expansion Plans and European Growth

The return to Romania is part of Uber Eats’ largest year of expansion to date. The company is launching in seven new markets in 2026, signaling a significant investment in its international growth strategy. This expansion follows a period of strong growth in Europe during 2025, indicating increased demand for food delivery services across the continent. In 2024, Uber Eats generated $13.7 billion in revenue [Wikipedia].

Uber Eats, launched in August 2014 as a subsidiary of Uber [Wikipedia], now competes with major players in the food delivery industry, including DoorDash, Grubhub, Deliveroo, and Just Eat Takeaway.com [Wikipedia]. The company’s acquisition of Postmates in December 2020 for $2.65 billion further strengthened its position in the U.S. Market, although Postmates continues to operate as a separate brand [Wikipedia].

Looking ahead, the success of Uber Eats’ re-entry into Romania will likely depend on its ability to adapt to local consumer preferences, build strong relationships with merchants, and navigate the competitive landscape. The company’s focus on providing a convenient and reliable delivery service, coupled with its data-driven approach to optimizing operations, positions it for potential success in the Romanian market.

What are your thoughts on Uber Eats returning to Romania? Share your opinions in the comments below!