Home / Technology / TV Software Updates: Samsung Leads, Others Lag Behind
TV Software Updates: Samsung Leads, Others Lag Behind
14 Oct
Summary
- Samsung offers seven years of software support for 2024 TVs.
- LG guarantees four years of webOS updates for select models.
- Sony and TCL provide variable or limited software support durations.
Samsung has set a new industry standard by committing to seven years of software updates for its Linux-based Tizen OS, applicable to 2024 models and select 2023 models. This means TVs purchased from 2024 onwards will receive app support and firmware updates until at least 2031. Older Samsung models will likely receive only occasional maintenance or security updates.
LG introduced its webOS Re:New program in early 2024, promising four years of webOS updates for TV models released from 2022 onwards. However, these updates will be delivered with a one-year delay compared to the newest models.
Sony's approach to software support is not standardized, varying significantly by model. For instance, a 2025 OLED model is slated for end-of-life support in April 2029, while another 2025 model is expected to receive security updates until June 2030. Sony's TVs, post-2021, utilize the Google TV platform, previously Android TV.
Similarly, TCL does not offer a fixed support period. Their Software Security page suggests security updates are typically provided for at least two years after a model's initial shipment. TCL TVs operate on either Google TV or Roku TV platforms, depending on the model and release date.
