LG smart TVs now come with a clearer upgrade promise, and that matters more than many buyers realize. Thanks to the Re:New program, eligible models receive five years of webOS software support, which means the platform keeps moving forward instead of getting stale after the first year or two.
That policy started in 2024, and it applies beyond just the newest sets on store shelves. Even some LG TVs launched in 2022 are included, with webOS 26 rolling out to eligible models over time, while newer purchases should arrive with the latest version already installed.
For buyers, the timeline is pretty simple. A 2026 LG TV that ships with webOS 26 is expected to keep getting updates through 2030, with one new upgrade each year after the initial software on the device. That kind of support gives the TV a longer useful life and helps it stay current without forcing an early replacement.
Software support on a smart TV is about more than shiny new menus. Updates can refine the interface, smooth out performance issues, and patch security holes that matter just as much on a television as they do on a phone or laptop.
The performance side is easy to overlook, but it makes a real difference in everyday use. A TV that gets regular software care is less likely to feel sluggish, buggy, or outdated, and that keeps streaming, navigation, and app switching feeling more polished over time.
Security is another big part of the picture. Smart TVs connect to home networks, stream content, store accounts, and interact with apps, which means they can also attract threats if the software is left to age without support.
LG is not alone in stretching support windows for living-room tech. Samsung, for example, offers seven years of updates for its Tizen-based TVs, and the broader trend across consumer electronics is moving away from the old throwaway mindset.
That shift matters because shoppers are paying more attention to longevity now. People want devices that can last, keep their features fresh, and avoid becoming outdated while the panel itself still has plenty of life left in it.
Updates on LG TVs usually arrive on their own, so most owners will not have to babysit the process. If a manual check is needed, the update path is found through the settings menu, and the TV can install the latest version once it sees it.
There is also a practical limit to what updates can do. Once a newer webOS version is installed, it cannot be rolled back through normal means, so the path forward is one-way.
For TVs that are not connected to the internet, LG still leaves a workaround in place. The software can be loaded with a flash drive, though that method requires access to a computer with an internet connection first.
Even with a strong update schedule, the best experience does not come from software alone. Picture settings, motion controls, and other preferences can still shape how the TV feels day to day, which is why many owners fine-tune those options after setup.
Still, the Re:New promise gives LG buyers something concrete to count on. A TV that keeps getting fresh webOS versions for five years has a much better shot at feeling current, secure, and responsive long after the initial unboxing excitement fades.
