The 2021 redesign of webOS was not a hit with users and LG is now taking steps to significantly simplify the experience with quick cards, tabs, and more in webOS 23.

When LG two years ago rolled out a major redesign of webOS – the company's Smart TV operating system – it switched from the popular bottom menu to a fullscreen layout. At the same time, it introduced ads and "recommendations" from partners.

Ads and "recommendations" will stay but users can look forward to a more streamlined and snappier homescreen in 2023, divided into two main screens. It is faster due to an improved processor and the simplified layout, said LG.


 webOS 23 will be found in LG's 2023 OLED and LCD TVs. Photo: LG

On the main screen there is a large carousel with sponsored content from partners, a user-customizable row of 'quick cards' where more cards will be added over time, and a row of installed apps. Quick cards can open new sections such as 'Game', 'Music', 'Sport', and 'Home Office'.

On the second screen that you can reach by scrolling down you will find highlighted content from partners and a 'Now Streaming' section with tabs for Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming services that LG partners with.

In webOS 23, each user can have a personal picture/avatar, and the homescreen gets customized to each user. There is a new notification system that pushes notifications for new content, apps, and more.

LG confirmed that there are no plans to bring webOS 23 to earlier generations of LG TVs. These will remain stuck on whatever version of webOS they came with and slowly start to lose app support over the years while new apps often get reserved for the latest webOS generations.


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Matter support
2023 LG TVs will also gain support for Matter, the new unified smart home connectivity standard backed by Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, and, yes, LG.

Matter devices from other companies connected via the LG ThinQ app will show up and be controllable from the Home Hub in LG's 2023 TVs.

The company has previously said that it will bring Matter support to its 2022 TVs. We are chasing more information about this update.

LG 2023 OLED TVs – specifications
 FlatpanelsHD