How Long Will Your Samsung Smart TV Get Software Updates?

Smart TVs are like phones. Essentially, you want to preserve the hardware and update software as long as possible, until it makes the most sense to upgrade. So, a big factor in buying a capable smart TV is knowing how long the software updates will keep coming. Samsung is one manufacturer that's increasingly moved to include consumer-friendly policies like extended security updates and software support guarantees for its devices. In 2024, Samsung announced that it will provide regular Tizen OS updates for seven years after purchase for its Smart TVs. Since this took effect in 2024, TVs like its OLED S95D, Neo QLED 4K QN95D, and Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K are on the company's seven-year promise list. Plus, the company has extended the seven-year Tizen OS upgrade to 2023 models, provided they have the hardware to support it.

For main models released in 2026, the seven-year updates still apply, especially for its AI TV lineup; this includes the Samsung Micro RGB 4K R95H TV and the Samsung Micro RGB 4K R85H TV, as well as its OLED TVs including the Samsung OLED S95H 4K, Samsung OLED S90H 4K, and the Samsung OLED S85H 4K TV. The Neo QLED 4K and Mini LED 2026 models also have seven years of Tizen OS upgrades. 

Even though most models fit the criteria, budget entry-level Crystal UHD TVs, like the DU series, may not get all the features offered in upcoming Tizen OS upgrades. (They also don't use AI processing, which is what many software features are built around).

When your Smart TV goes out of date or doesn't get updated, a few concerns come up. One is with the performance, which can slow down. The Smart TV's firmware determines app compatibility, built-in features, and what you'll likely be interacting with the most. Updating your firmware can help address bugs and errors you might face when running apps, and it can also optimize the great features your TV offers. 

The next worry is security. Running outdated firmware can introduce exploitable vulnerabilities, either through the Smart TV's software or through other apps. That gets scary because weak Smart TV security can invite hackers to access your Wi-Fi, potentially using that to reach other devices on the network. At the very least, you can reduce the risk by disconnecting an outdated TV from the internet and using an external streaming device for your apps (but make sure that's updated too). A separate streaming stick isn't a perfect solution, but it is better than replacing your hardware when you're not financially ready.

On the other hand, if you expect an update for your Samsung Smart TV, it is worth a quick check. These TVs should update automatically, but you can also push an update manually. To do that, turn on your TV, go to "Settings," choose "All Settings," then select "Support." From there, choose "Software Update" > "Update Now." You can also search your model number through Samsung's Download Center to save the update to a USB flash drive, if needed.