LG has finally committed to upgrading webOS in TVs after the sale. A 2024 LG TV shipped with webOS 24 will receive upgrades through 2028 to webOS 28.

The announcement to upgrade webOS was made alongside the reveal of the 2024 "QNED" LCD models. LG's 2024 OLED TVs, set to be unveiled in January at CES, will likely also be covered.

- "With the webOS Re:New program, LG is offering an upgrade to the latest version of its webOS smart TV platform to give more smart TV owners the most up-to-date user experience for the next five years," announced LG Electronics.

In other words, a 2024 TV model with webOS 24 pre-installed will be upgraded to webOS 25 in 2025, webOS 26 in 2026, webOS 27 in 2027 and finally webOS 28 in 2028. Four webOS upgrades over five years.


Some previous TVs will be upgraded
LG added that 8K models launched in 2022 (LG did not launch any 8K models in 2023) will also get webOS upgrades, and additional unspecified LCD models will get it in the future.

- "This notable offer comes to LG QNED Mini LED 8K models launched in 2022 (QNED99 and QNED95 series) and will be extended to additional models in the QNED TV lineup worldwide in the future," said LG.


 This is webOS 23. We still do not have any photos of webOS 24. Photo: LG

What to expect
LG recently brought full-screen webOS to 2019 and 2020 models. It was not a full upgrade but a modified version made to look like webOS 6.0, as reported by FlatpanelsHD.

The new program is referred to as "full upgrades" so it should cover more, but will of course be limited to software features. The upgrades do "not cover the TV’s hardware performance, features or durability", the company clarified.

LG also said that the notifications to do full upgrades are only sent to customers who have agreed to receive them, implying that it is optional.

Why has LG suddenly changed its stance on webOS upgrades? Earlier this year, the company announced a transformation into a "smart life solution company", a shift toward focusing more on services and ads on its TVs. By upgrading webOS, it can deliver these services and ads to more users, generating recurring revenue.

The announcement leaves Samsung's Tizen as the only major TV platform not receiving upgrades. Android TV and Google TV are regularly upgraded on most devices, and the same is true for FireTV and Roku OS. Apple's tvOS on Apple TV also receives regular upgrades.

More details about webOS 24 will be announced at CES 2024 next month but here is what we know so far from today's announcement:

First details on webOS 24
In LG's own words:

By utilizing the latest LG webOS smart TV platform, users can create individual profiles to tailor the experience to their preferences. The TVs can differentiate between voices based on the user profiles and offer personalized recommendations by interpreting patterns from their comprehensive usage history.
 
Furthermore, the main home UI screen of the newest version of webOS features Dynamic Q Card for fast, effortless access to its services, with customized organization into groups, such as Home Office, Home Hub, Sports and Games. To enjoy users’ favorite digital media, LG 2024 QNED TVs also support Apple AirPlay and Chromecast for enhanced convenience in connectivity and compatibility with mobile devices.
 
Enhancing the user experience for individuals with diverse abilities, LG 2024 QNED TVs supplies an array of accessibility features including dedicated menu settings, sign language avatars, remote control tutorials, and guides for quick problem resolution.
 FlatpanelsHD