Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected in 2026, plans to integrate advanced Gorilla Glass with anti-glare, durability, and privacy tech, making screen protectors obsolete.
© A. Krivonosov
Samsung is preparing a radical shift in its approach to smartphone screen protection. According to insider Ice Universe, the company plans to essentially "kill" the market for protective films and tempered glass with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected in 2026, by solving all common problems directly at the display level.
The leak suggests that the new generation of Gorilla Glass will include technologies that previously required buying additional accessories. Its anti-glare coating makes matte and anti-reflective films unnecessary, while a CoE technology with non-polarized light removes the need for ultra-clear protective films, typically used for better readability and color reproduction.
A separate blow is aimed at the tempered glass segment. Samsung is reportedly betting on ultra-durable next-generation Gorilla Glass, designed to withstand real drops and impacts without extra protection. The idea is simple: if the glass itself can handle everyday risks, adding another layer on top no longer makes sense.
Finally, the company will reportedly integrate a new privacy protection technology directly into the screen. This means that special films that limit viewing angles could also become obsolete. If all these solutions are implemented, the Galaxy S26 Ultra risks becoming the smartphone that finally strips protective film and glass manufacturers of their main argument: the need to "enhance" the screen after purchase.