The year 2026 might be significant for televisions, but I have concerns about the software.

      The world of television is vibrant and dynamic, with major brands and newcomers continually competing by innovating new screen technologies, advanced operating systems, and attractive pricing. As we step into the new year, it's natural for people to wonder: what developments could 2026 hold for TVs?

      In 2025, there were significant advancements: Mini-LEDs became more affordable, OLEDs introduced new features, and companies continued to improve their software offerings. Our curated list of top TVs experienced some changes. However, I anticipate that 2026 will be even more groundbreaking, thanks to a revolutionary new type of screen technology set to debut.

      Yet, as is often the case, not every enhancement will necessarily equate to a true upgrade. I foresee improved hardware, but changes in how TV software will be managed in 2025 may lead to a somewhat frustrating experience for those looking to purchase a smart TV. More on that later.

      Let’s delve into my major TV predictions for 2026, focusing on both new hardware and software that may emerge.

      The major new development: RGB TVs

      Hisense

      As we approach 2026, RGB TVs are poised to be the leading new technology. While the term might not be used universally—with brands likely opting for their own labels—terms like Micro RGB, RGB Mini-LED, or micro-RGB will all refer to this technology.

      This new panel technology functions similarly to LED and Mini-LED TVs, featuring a layer of small lights that illuminate a second layer of pixels to display images. The key difference with RGB TVs is that these lights are red, green, and blue instead of white, allowing for a broader color gamut, improved contrast, and a greater maximum brightness.

      We witnessed a few RGB TV prototypes in 2025, but they were large, costly models. In 2026, however, we anticipate seeing commercially viable models from most major TV manufacturers, available in a variety of sizes and price points.

      With many prominent TV brands developing RGB TVs, this will likely emerge as a key battleground at major TV exhibitions as well as in sales and consumer guides, benefiting us, the consumers.

      Additionally, RGB screens are reportedly more energy-efficient compared to traditional LED or Mini-LED displays, which is a noteworthy advantage for those looking to lower their energy bills.

      8K TVs... sort of

      Samsung / Samsung

      While 8K TVs have largely remained a niche market, there’s potential for a significant shift in 2026.

      This shift could involve the widespread adoption of AI upscaling, a development many analysts and enthusiasts are hopeful about. In theory, you could purchase a TV that can play 4K content and upscale it to 8K. While this wouldn’t be true '8K' as it would only support native 4K, you would still benefit from the additional pixels.

      Though it’s not guaranteed that this feature will be common in 2026, Samsung exhibited technology achieving this in 2025, suggesting it may be on the horizon. Once such technology becomes available in affordable TVs, consumers will likely take notice.

      Any updates for OLEDs?

      Sony

      Given that some of the top OLED TVs have been favorites among reviewers for years—if not budget-conscious shoppers—you might be curious about what 2026 has in store for this type of front-lit technology.

      The answer is probably ‘not much’. Most leading TV brands typically refresh their OLED lineups annually, so while we can expect to see new models, the differences are likely to be minor and incremental.

      Many OLED sets released in 2025 featured slight modifications like anti-glare screens, better video upscaling, and marginally improved refresh rates. While these are certainly beneficial updates for buyers, they won’t be compelling enough for anyone to upgrade from their 2024 model. This trend will likely continue into 2026; we may not see anything that will make you exclaim “whOahLED.” However, if any significant updates do emerge, they might include broader support for Dolby Vision 2.

      'Concept' TVs

      Samsung The Frame Pro John Higgins / Digital Trends

      Several TV concepts have been under development for some time and will definitely progress into 2026. While they may not become mainstream, they will continue to evolve in technology and popularity, making them worth mentioning.

      Several manufacturers have showcased wireless TVs that eliminate cables for a sleek look, as well as 'lifestyle' TVs that disguise themselves as artwork or furniture until activated (the most recognized being Samsung's The Frame). We can expect more of these in 2026, although I wouldn't anticipate truly affordable, consumer-ready options.

      Rollable and transparent TVs remain even further from commercial availability. While we may see one or two showcased at major tech events, they will likely still be conceptual rather than accessible products for consumers during Black Friday sales.

      One notable advancement in 2025 was the introduction of 165Hz TVs, which offer a faster refresh rate compared to