Samsung has recently announced its decision to offer seven years’ worth of Tizen operating system updates for its newer AI-powered TVs. This move is seen as a strategic effort to maintain its position as the leading seller of smart TVs amidst growing competition from Chinese rivals like Hisense and TCL. The update policy will cover TV models released in March 2024 and some products from 2023, marking a significant extension from Samsung’s previous update practices.
Despite Samsung’s current dominance in the smart TV market, recent research indicates a decline in its market share. Analytics firm Omdia reported that Samsung’s share dropped by over 2 percent from the previous year, while Chinese competitors like TCL and Hisense are steadily gaining traction. With a 29 percent global market share in the first half of the year, Samsung is facing increasing pressure to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Yong Seok-Yoon, the president of Samsung Electronic’s Visual Display Business Division, expressed confidence in the impact of the extended Tizen updates on Samsung’s market position. By offering seven years of free upgrades for AI TVs, Samsung aims to solidify its lead over Chinese rivals and reinforce its reputation for quality and longevity in the smart TV segment. The specific models that will benefit from these updates have yet to be specified by Samsung, leaving room for anticipation among consumers.
Samsung’s announcement comes at a time when competition in the smart TV industry is intensifying. Notably, LG, Samsung’s domestic rival, also made a similar commitment to provide five years of webOS updates for its smart TV lineup. This move reflects the growing importance of software updates and accessibility in influencing consumer purchasing decisions within the smart TV sector. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, manufacturers are under pressure to deliver long-term support and value to customers.
Samsung’s decision to offer seven years of Tizen updates for its AI-powered TVs represents a strategic maneuver in response to the competitive dynamics of the smart TV market. By prioritizing software enhancements and long-term support, Samsung aims to differentiate itself from Chinese competitors and maintain its market leadership. As the battle for smart TV supremacy continues to unfold, consumer expectations for innovation and reliability will drive manufacturers to adapt and innovate in order to stay ahead of the curve.