- Checking the system and firmware version lets you know if your Smart TV is still within the manufacturer's support plan.
- Compatibility with codecs such as AV1/VP9 and new AI features marks the real lifespan of the TV.
- Even if support ceases, the TV serves as a screen, reinforced with external streaming devices.
¿How can I tell if my Smart TV is still receiving updates? If you have a smart TV at home, it's normal to wonder if Is it still receiving software updates or is it about to fall behind?With so many operating systems, new video codecs, and artificial intelligence features, it's not always easy to know if your Smart TV will last for several more years or if it's nearing its "digital" expiration date.
Furthermore, each manufacturer (Samsung, LGTelevisions with Android TV, Google TV, Tizen, webOS, etc., have their own support schedules. Some brands offer updates for quite a few yearsWhile some manufacturers cut off support sooner and stop sending updates and security patches, others do so sooner. Understanding how this lifecycle works is key to deciding whether it's worth continuing to use your TV, updating it manually, or considering a new model.
What does it mean when your Smart TV receives (or stops receiving) updates
When we talk about Smart TV updates, we're mainly referring to new versions of the operating system and security patchesJust like with mobile phones and computers, manufacturers periodically release updates that fix bugs, close vulnerabilities, add compatibility with recent apps or video codecs, and occasionally introduce entirely new features.
The problem arises with the so-called “software blackout”The point at which the manufacturer decides a model is no longer included in its support plan. From then on, your TV may still turn on and function as usual, but it will stop receiving bug fixes, stability improvements, and protection against security vulnerabilities. It doesn't become unusable, but it does... it starts to age much faster in the eyes of streaming platforms and new services.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to televisions: the same thing has happened with the end of Windows 10 support on computersThe system still boots up, but it stops being updated, and in the medium term, this implies risks and loss of compatibility. On Smart TVs, this lack of support can mean that New apps won't install, and some functions stop working properly. or that certain streaming content can no longer be played with the same quality.
To make matters worse, 2026 is shaping up to be a a turning point for many smart TVsThe massive arrival of new codecs, new versions of Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and the integration of specific processors for AI (the famous NPUs) will leave a significant portion of the current hardware without the necessary technical muscle to keep up with the software.
The tech race: codecs, HDR, and AI processors
The audiovisual industry is moving at a breakneck pace. In just a few years we've gone from simple connected televisions to Smart TVs with complex operating systemsBuilt-in voice assistants, cloud gaming apps, and image engines that analyze every frame in real time. All of this comes at a price: it demands a level of processing power and memory that many pre-2021 models simply can't offer. If you're worried about storage space on Android TV devices, a guide on How to free up space on Android TV It may be useful.
On one hand, there are the new video codecs such as AV1 and VP9These formats allow for greater video compression while maintaining high quality and consuming less bandwidth. Platforms like YouTube, Prime Video, and Max already use them extensively, and all indications are that they will be essential for smooth playback of 4K (and even 8K) content. If your Smart TV cannot decode these codecs via hardware, the experience will suffer. More lag, worse quality, or inability to play certain videos.
On the other hand, new generation high dynamic range image standards come into play, such as Dolby Vision 2 and HDR10+ AdvancedThese formats really take advantage of modern screens, with deeper blacks, higher brightness peaks, and more accurate colors. But to manage them well, you need an agile image processor capable of analyzing dynamic metadata scene by scene, and that excludes [unspecified devices]. many televisions manufactured before 2021.
The great revolution, however, is coming from the artificial intelligence integrated into televisionsIt's not just about content recommendations: we're talking about AI-powered resolution upscaling, intelligent noise reduction, brightness and color optimization based on content and environment, advanced voice recognition, and assistants capable of understanding complex commands. To achieve this, TVs are integrating Neural Processing Units (NPUs), processors specialized in running AI algorithms. The evolution of AI on platforms like Google TV is changing the viewing experience, as explained in [link/reference]. Gemini on Google TV.
Mid-range and low-end models, especially those purchased before 2021They often lack these neural processing units or have very basic versions. This means that, although the operating system can be updated for a while, They will not be able to take advantage of many of the features that will arrive in future versions. from Tizen, webOS, Google TV, Android TV or similar.
Support and update cycle for Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen)
In the case of Samsung, its Tizen operating system is one of the most widespread and with a fairly generous support policyCurrently, the brand typically offers around seven years of updates for its latest models, a period comparable to that given to many of its high-end Galaxy smartphones.
However, several nuances must be taken into account. Tizen updates arrive much less frequently than mobile updates.Samsung typically releases a major Tizen update each year, featuring significant interface improvements, new features, and sometimes partial redesigns. In between updates, there may be minor patches to fix specific bugs or security issues.
Furthermore, the rollout is very gradual. While a mobile phone might receive the new version of Android within two or three months depending on the region, TVs with Tizen are updated in wavesAnd it's not uncommon for a model to take several months to receive the version that others are already enjoying. A good example of this is that Tizen 9 is now arriving on many 2023 and 2024 Samsung TVs that were still using Tizen 8, just when The newest models are already preparing for Tizen 10.
This gap can generate some frustration, especially for those who are very fond of technology and want to have everything up to date. But there's another side to the coin: A major upgrade on a television is more delicate than on a mobile phone.If something goes wrong, it's not as simple as taking the TV to a repair shop as leaving your phone at a store. And moving a large screen is quite different from putting your smartphone in your pocket.
Therefore, many users choose to disable automatic updates On your Samsung Smart TV, you can manually check when it's worth installing a new version. The process is simple: just go to the settings menu, enter "All settings" → "Support" → "Software update," and turn off the "Automatic update" switch. This way, the TV won't download or install new versions on its own, but you can manually check for updates when you want them.
Check if your Samsung Smart TV has a pending update
Beyond automatic updates, it's worth knowing How to check the software version your Samsung currently has and compare it with the latest version available on the official website. This is especially useful if you want to update via USB or make sure everything is up to date.
The first step is to locate the Exact firmware version installed on your TVFrom the TV itself, you can access the Settings menu, go to the Support or Device Information section (depending on the model), and check the version number. Write this down, as you will use it for reference.
Next, on the official Samsung support and downloads page, you can search for your TV model by entering the name or model number. Once there, you'll see the section for firmware download with the latest version available. If the number matches the one displayed on your TV, perfect: You already have the latest version and don't need to update anything.If the number is higher, then you do have a pending update that you can install.
When you choose to update via USB, the process usually involves downloading the file from the website, extracting it, and copying it to a USB drive formatted with a compatible system (generally FAT32). Then, you connect the drive to the TV and follow the on-screen instructions. It's a slightly more manual method, but It allows for better control of the timing and helps avoid problems. typical of interrupted downloads or failures during automatic updates.
However, if your model no longer appears on the list of TVs compatible with the latest versions, or if you see in the downloads section that It's been years since a new firmware was released.This is a pretty clear sign that your Samsung Smart TV has been dropped from the support plan and will not receive any further updates.
Update an LG Smart TV webOS from USB and check its system
On LG TVs with webOS, the procedure to find out if They still receive updates It's very similar, although the menu structure changes slightly. The first thing is to locate the exact model and operating system that your TV is using. If you need quick instructions on how to use webOS, consult the guide for Restart webOS on TV.
To view this information from the TV's interface, go to Settings → General → About this TV → TV Information. This displays both the model and software details. If you can't access the menu (for example, because the remote is broken), you can also check the TV back sticker, where the commercial model and serial number usually appear.
LG has a section on its support website that explains how to identify the webOS version which operating system your TV uses. It's important to know this because some features and updates are only available with certain system versions. Once you know the model, the next step is:
- Find your model on the LG downloads page.
- Verify that it appears in the "Compatible Models" list of the latest published update.
- Download the firmware ZIP file and unzip it to obtain the file with the .epk extension.
Once you have the .epk file, you need to prepare the USB drive. Create a folder called LG_DTV (in uppercase, as required by the system) and copy that .epk file inside. Then, all that remains is Connect the USB drive to the TV's USB port. and wait for the notification to appear on the screen indicating that new software has been detected.
At that point, you can accept the INSTALL option and track the update progress, usually through the "CHECK NOW" function or from the settings menu itself. While the process is underway, it is crucial Do not disconnect the TV or remove the USB driveto avoid errors that could corrupt the system.
If you see on the LG website that your model no longer appears in the recent firmware section or that It is not on the list of compatible models Based on the latest versions, it's quite likely that it has stopped receiving active support. The TV will continue to work, but it will be stuck with the last version it received, without any new improvements or patches.
How to tell if your Smart TV will become obsolete in the coming years
Beyond checking if your model is receiving an update today, it's worth analyzing whether your Smart TV has future potential or is about to suddenly become obsoleteTo do this, you can look at several technical factors that make a clear difference between a TV with a long lifespan and one with an upcoming expiration date.
The first step is to check if your television It supports the latest version of the operating system that corresponds to your family. If you have a TV with Tizen, webOS, Google TV, Android TV, or another proprietary system, check the manufacturer's website to see if the model still appears on the lists of devices that will receive new versions. If you see that your TV is stuck on a version from years ago while newer models have made two or three leaps forward, it's likely that There isn't much of a roadmap for updates ahead.Also take into account market shifts such as when manufacturers change platforms, which can affect support for older models.
The second key aspect is compatibility with the modern video codecs such as AV1 and VP9These formats are already standard on services like YouTube and are becoming standard on Prime Video, Max, and other platforms. If your TV isn't capable of decoding them via hardware, the system may resort to software or simply not play them in high quality, resulting in a significantly worse user experience. limitations on access to certain content.
The third filter is determined by the your TV's ability to run AI functionsMid-range and low-end TVs released before 2021 rarely have powerful NPUs or sufficient resources to implement the algorithms used today for image processing, sound, and recommendations. This means that even if the system is updated over time, The most advanced AI features that arrive from 2026 onwards will probably not be available or will function in a very limited way.
Added to all this is the issue of "software shutdown." As soon as the manufacturer decides that a model no longer meets the minimum requirements (due to power, memory, compatibility, or simply age), It stops providing new versions and security patchesNot only will you miss out on new features, but your TV may also become more vulnerable and receive less support from third-party apps. If you're concerned about privacy and data transmission, see how prevent your TV from sending usage data.
Even when resorting to temporary solutions like Apple TV, Google TV Streamer, Roku, or Fire TV Stick, it's important to understand that the experience will always be there. limited by the quality of the panel and the hardware of the original TVThese external devices can extend the lifespan of your TV somewhat, but if your television doesn't go beyond Full HD, doesn't support decent HDR, or has outdated processing, the improvement in quality will be minimal. If you opt for a streamer, consider alternatives like the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K to keep the "smart" part updated without changing the panel.
Can a Smart TV without updates work as a "normal" TV?
One of the most common questions is what happens when your TV stops receiving support: Is it still useful or is it just technological junk?The answer, in most cases, is that you can continue using it without problems as a "regular" television.
Even though the software is no longer updated, the panel continues to display the signal from the antenna, digital terrestrial television (DTT), a set-top box, a game console, or any HDMI device as always. From that perspective, your Smart TV behaves like a conventional television with HDMI inputs and, in many cases, a good panelThe problem lies in the "smart" features: streaming apps, the built-in browser, connected services, etc. If you want to learn more about which apps consume resources on Google TV and how they might affect performance, this guide can help.
Over time, some apps may stop working, which certain platforms can no longer be installed Or the system's app store might stop receiving updates. Some apps might continue to work for years using older versions, but sooner or later there will be service incompatibilities, a lack of new features, or bugs that no one will fix.
That doesn't automatically make your TV junk. If the panel still provides a good picture and the sound is acceptable, you can always... resort to external streaming devices To recover the smart features that the TV has lost or that are no longer updated. That is, in fact, one of the most sensible strategies for extending the life of your television without replacing the whole thing.
Another important point is safety. While a TV without a stand won't suddenly become a black hole overnight, it is true that stop receiving patches for potential vulnerabilitiesIf your Smart TV is connected to the internet and hasn't been updated in years, it's worth considering. A reasonable option might be to disconnect it from the network and limit its use to external sources, such as set-top boxes, game consoles, or players connected via HDMI. If you're experiencing recurring connectivity problems, see what to do if The Smart TV loses its WiFi connection.
Does it make sense to buy a Smart TV today, or is a "dumb" TV + external device better?
Given so much information about software support periods and obsolescence, it's logical to wonder if It still makes sense to buy a Smart TV Or, if you're smarter, opt for a simple TV and add a streaming device like a Roku, Fire TV Stick, or an Android TV Box.
The reality of the current market is that Non-smart TVs are becoming less common and, in many cases, even more expensive. than some entry-level Smart TVs. The industry has clearly opted for connected models, and this has left "non-smart" options in very specific niches, sometimes with worse panel specifications for the same price.
Buying a Smart TV today is still a good idea if you're interested in having everything integrated: essential apps, voice control, assistant compatibility, and an interface designed for streaming. Many brands, such as Samsung and LG, offer several years of system updatesThis guarantees an acceptable experience for quite some time, especially in mid-range and high-end models.
However, if you are very concerned about software obsolescence or do not want to depend on the manufacturer's update schedule, you can opt for a mixed combination: Buy a good panel (Smart TV or not) and use a dedicated streaming device as the primary source. This way, even if the TV's internal system becomes somewhat outdated, you can continue updating the external device more frequently and at a lower cost.
These devices, such as Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, or Fire TV Stick, usually receive system and app updates for more years And they're much easier to replace when they become insufficient: simply unplug one HDMI cable and plug in the new one. The truly expensive part of a television is the panel, and that can still provide a very good picture even if the "smart" features are a bit outdated.
Therefore, a fairly balanced strategy is not to obsess over having the latest version of every TV system, to prioritize image quality, and to accept that The smart part can be complemented or replaced with external devices when needed.
Ultimately, the key to knowing if your Smart TV still receives updates and will last for a few more years lies in checking the installed software version and comparing it with the latest one released by the manufacturer, verifying compatibility with modern codecs like AV1 and VP9, assessing whether the hardware has the capacity for new AI features, and understanding that even when the "software shutdown" occurs, the TV can continue to function perfectly as a main screen supported by external devices, provided the panel and the rest of the hardware remain in good condition.
Passionate about technology since he was little. I love being up to date in the sector and, above all, communicating it. That is why I have been dedicated to communication on technology and video game websites for many years. You can find me writing about Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Nintendo or any other related topic that comes to mind.