If you’ve ever used a laptop in a coffee shop, airport, or office and worried about someone looking at your screen, Apple may be working on a solution. A new leak suggests that future MacBooks could have a built-in privacy display that hides sensitive content from anyone who looks at your screen from the side. The rumor comes from well-known leaker Ice Universe, who claims Apple could adopt Samsung’s upcoming privacy display technology for MacBook laptops in the coming years. Reports citing research firm Omdia suggest the feature could arrive around 2029, giving Apple plenty of time to refine the technology for larger laptop displays.
In contrast to today’s clip-on privacy films, this technology would be integrated directly into the display. The system reportedly uses a mix of screen technology and software to limit the viewing angle so that only the person sitting directly in front of the laptop can clearly see what’s on the screen. In practice, this could mean that emails, messages, passwords and documents become unreadable to anyone sitting nearby.
A long-term solution to a very modern problem
Samsung is expected to debut its Privacy Display technology in the upcoming Galaxy S26 phones, where it will be able to selectively hide parts of the screen, such as notifications or sensitive apps. The feature is specifically designed to prevent “shoulder surfing” in crowded environments such as public transportation or shared work areas.
It obviously makes sense to transfer the idea to laptops. Phones can easily be tilted or turned away, but laptops are far more difficult to shield in public spaces. Additionally, there are numerous third-party privacy filters for MacBooks on the market, showing that there is already a demand for this type of protection. However, an integrated version would feel much more seamless, brighter, and easier to turn on and off.
Of course, this remains a long-term rumor and Apple has not confirmed anything. Still, the idea fits well into the company’s broader focus on privacy as a selling point. If this technology is actually available, it could make everyday laptop use in public spaces a far less stressful experience.
