Samsung has announced that it will provide seven years of Tizen operating system updates for its latest AI-powered smart TVs, marking a significant shift in its approach to software support. This move, aimed at strengthening its competitive edge against rising Chinese brands, was revealed last week at Samsung Electronics’ Suwon Campus, according to Business Korea.
The extended update policy will initially apply to TV models launched in March 2024, as well as some select models released in 2023.
This initiative represents a substantial upgrade from Samsung’s current update strategy, which primarily focuses on minor bug fixes without major Tizen OS enhancements. The decision comes as Samsung, the world’s leading smart TV manufacturer, faces increasing competition from Chinese companies like Hisense and TCL.
According to research from analytics firm Omdia, Samsung held nearly 29 per cent of the global TV market in the first half of the year, a decrease of over 2 per cent compared to the previous year. In contrast, TCL and Hisense have been gaining ground, capturing 12.1 per cent and 10 per cent of the market, respectively.
“With the seven-year free upgrade of Tizen applied to AI TVs, we will widen the gap in market share with Chinese companies,” said Yong Seok-Yoon, President of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business Division. However, Samsung has yet to specify which models will be eligible for the extended updates.
This commitment to longer software support follows a similar pledge made by Samsung earlier this year regarding its Galaxy S24 smartphone series, which will also receive seven years of OS upgrades and security updates. Around the same time, LG, Samsung’s domestic rival, announced it would offer five years of webOS updates for its smart TV lineup, providing a clear list of models that would benefit from the extended support.
By guaranteeing extended OS support, Samsung aims to enhance the longevity and value of its products, appealing to consumers who seek long-term reliability in their home entertainment systems. This strategic move not only underscores Samsung’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction but also reinforces its determination to maintain its leadership in the increasingly competitive smart TV market.
