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Android is now available on a wide range of smart TVs but upgrading the software has been a challenge for most brands.
Google is now happy to let you use the older version for a few years
Google is changing the way it upgrades the software on its Android TVs. The company realises that people don’t invest in new TVs like phones, so the need to push new Android versions every year is a heavy and expensive task.
Google is now happy to offer bi-yearly Android updates for the smart TVs, as reported by Android Authority this week. Because of these changes, Android TV users shouldn’t expect version 15 for their big screens anytime soon. Instead, Google plans to move directly to Android 16 version for these TVs that will be coming out sometime in 2026.
Android Upgrades For TVs: Do We Really Need It?
Most Android TVs in the market get slow updates from the brands, and you could say that is fine because TVs are not really at risk of getting hacked or stolen. Add to that, people are buying TVs as a long-term investment, which ideally should last them for 10 years or more.
Now, imagine if a brand has to deliver 3-4 Android upgrades to these TVs, along with making new models with advanced features, these companies will not be able to afford the expanse needed to manage both ends. Having said that, it will be good for them to at least offer critical security updates regularly so that any possible threat to these smart devices can be handled.
So, if you are using a smart Android TV that is running on older versions, we suggest you keep an eye out for the latest update, or be happy with how it is working and make it run till its last breath.