Samsung has announced that it will provide operating system updates for its newer TVs for at least seven years. The updates will first apply to some TVs released in 2023 and March 2024. The announcement was made at the Digital Research Lab of Samsung Electronics’ Suwon Campus in Gyeonggi Province.
The company aims to enhance the longevity and performance of its smart TVs, ensuring users receive the latest features and security updates. Yoon Seok-woo, Samsung Electronics’ president of the Visual Display Business Division, said at the event: “With the seven-year free upgrade of Tizen applied to AI TVs, we will widen the gap in market share with Chinese companies.”
Samsung is the world’s largest smart TV seller, but competition from Chinese brands like TCL is intensifying. Samsung’s TV market share by units shipped dropped from 20.3 percent in Q1 2023 to 18.8 percent in Q1 2024.
Meanwhile, TCL’s market share increased from 9.8 percent to 11.6 percent.
Samsung promises seven-year TV updates
The company hasn’t provided a specific list of each model, which is guaranteed to receive seven years of updates.
However, the announcement suggests the news will apply to TVs with AI-based features released in the mentioned timeframe. Samsung’s commitment to prolonged software support comes amid growing concerns about e-waste and the high cost of products that become obsolete due to outdated software. By extending the update period, Samsung could set a new standard in the industry, encouraging other manufacturers to follow suit and helping consumers keep their devices longer.
While Samsung sets a high bar with seven years of updates, other companies offer substantial support. Apple has been updating its first Apple TV since 2015, and Roku provides OS updates to Roku OS-based TVs released in 2014. TV manufacturers and streaming device makers could improve transparency, making it more straightforward for buyers to know how long their devices will continue receiving software updates before purchasing.
By taking this step, Samsung aims to reduce e-waste and enhance customer satisfaction, potentially setting a new industry benchmark for software support duration.
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