Microsoft to end Copilot support on smart TVs by 2026

The end of AI TV companions

Microsoft is preparing to pull its Copilot AI assistant from smart television platforms. While the company had recently partnered with major manufacturers to integrate the tech, it is now moving to discontinue the service on these devices. This shift marks a significant change for the smart TV landscape where AI features were recently being marketed as a core selling point.

The news surfaced through an on-screen notification on an LG TV powered by webOS. The message informed users that Microsoft decided to end support for the functionality on all TVs, including those from LG and Samsung. While the notification did not provide a specific day, it stated the feature is scheduled for discontinuation during 2026.

The timeline for this removal remains flexible according to the notification. It noted that the exact date for the shutdown is subject to Microsoft's internal timeline. This means that while the end date is set for the coming year, the actual transition could happen at various points throughout 2026.

How Copilot functioned on TVs

When it was active, Copilot served as a friendly AI-powered companion for viewers. Users could interact with the assistant to chat about various topics or ask specific questions regarding what was currently playing on their screens. It was designed to be an interactive layer over the traditional television experience.

Beyond simple conversation, the tool provided personalized content recommendations. It helped viewers discover new shows and movies based on their interests or current viewing habits. This integration was intended to make navigating large streaming libraries and cable menus more intuitive for the average household.

The technology was a key part of the recent hardware announcements from LG and Samsung at CES 2025. These manufacturers had highlighted the AI assistant as a modern feature for their latest smart TV models. The discontinuation means these high-end devices will lose a primary interactive feature shortly after their release.

User friction and backlash

The integration of Copilot on LG TVs was not without controversy during its initial rollout. Last December, LG faced significant backlash from customers after a webOS update added a permanent Microsoft Copilot shortcut. This shortcut automatically opened the AI assistant's web app in a browser, which many users found intrusive.

Many consumers expressed frustration online because the shortcut was added without their explicit approval. They felt the addition of a third-party AI tool cluttered the user interface and took up valuable screen real estate. The backlash was significant enough to force a change in how the feature was presented to the public.

In response to the outcry, LG eventually modified the software to allow users to delete the shortcut. This change gave owners more control over whether they wanted the AI assistant accessible on their home screens. Despite this concession, the upcoming 2026 discontinuation suggests Microsoft may be moving in a different direction entirely.

A shift toward productivity

Microsoft's decision to pull back from the TV space aligns with a broader strategy for its AI products. Earlier this year, the company introduced a new Copilot 'super app' designed to bundle various capabilities. This new interface focuses on chat, agents, and coding tools rather than general consumer companionship.

The company appears to be repositioning Copilot as a business and productivity tool. By focusing on professional tasks, Microsoft may be prioritizing users who need help with work-related workflows. This shift suggests that the AI's primary value is being redefined for office environments and specialized technical tasks.

By moving away from the 'digital companion' model on TVs, Microsoft is narrowing its scope. The goal seems to be creating a more cohesive experience for its core enterprise and productivity customers. This move effectively ends the experiment of using Copilot as a general-purpose entertainment assistant in the living room.

What comes next for smart TVs

The removal of Copilot leaves a gap in the AI features promised by major TV manufacturers. LG and Samsung will need to determine how to replace these interactive capabilities in their future software updates. It is unclear whether they will develop their own native AI tools or seek out different partners to fill the void.

For consumers who recently purchased new TVs with Copilot features, the experience will be short-lived. They will see the functionality gradually diminish as the 2026 deadline approaches. This highlights the rapid pace of change in the AI industry, where features can be introduced and retired in very short windows.

The industry will likely watch to see if other AI assistants take up the space left by Microsoft. As the 'super app' becomes the standard for Copilot, the smart TV market may see a return to more traditional navigation methods. This marks the end of an era for integrated AI companionship in the home theater.