Microsoft to end Copilot support on smart TVs by 2026

The end of TV AI support

LG recently notified users that Microsoft is ending support for Copilot on all smart TVs. This change will affect various brands, including the Copilot-enabled features found on LG's webOS-powered devices. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The notice appeared as a popup on LG TVs, informing owners that the functionality is no longer available and may stop working shortly. While Microsoft has not provided a specific day for the shutdown, the timeline is now clear for hardware manufacturers. This move signals a definitive conclusion to the integration of the AI companion into home entertainment systems.

This news comes as a direct response to the recent rollout of the software on major television brands. While the feature was intended to be a helpful addition, it faced significant pushback from customers who did not want the AI pre-installed. The removal of the feature suggests that the initial push to put AI in the living room may have been premature or poorly received by the public.

How Copilot worked on TVs

When it was active, Copilot functioned as an AI-powered companion for television viewers. It was designed to provide information based on the specific content appearing on the screen at any given moment. Users could interact with it to get context about a movie or a show they were currently watching.

Beyond just providing facts, the tool was capable of offering personalized recommendations for other movies and TV shows. It also allowed for general chatting, similar to how users interact with the Copilot app on smartphones or computers. It was meant to be a conversational interface for navigating the vast library of streaming content.

The technology relied on the AI's ability to process on-screen data and user prompts simultaneously. However, many users found the forced installation of the app on LG and Samsung TVs to be intrusive. Because the feature was pushed onto devices without an opt-in process, it became a point of contention for many smart TV owners.

A shift toward business use

Microsoft's decision to pull back from smart TVs aligns with a broader change in how the company views its AI products. The company is no longer interested in positioning Copilot as a digital friend for personal use in the home. Instead, the focus has shifted toward productivity and business-oriented use cases.

This strategic pivot means that the AI is being optimized for professional environments rather than leisure activities. By prioritizing work-related tasks, Microsoft is targeting a demographic that uses AI for data analysis, writing, and organization. This shift makes the TV version of the software less relevant to the company's current goals.

The company recently merged its Microsoft 365 Copilot and consumer Copilot into a single application. This consolidation means there is no longer a dedicated personal app for users who wanted a digital companion. By combining these paths, Microsoft is streamlining its AI offerings to favor enterprise utility over general consumer entertainment.

Impact on hardware partners

The move affects major hardware partners like LG and Samsung who integrated the software into their latest models. These manufacturers had to accommodate the Copilot-enabled features as part of their smart TV ecosystems over the last year. Now, they must manage the transition as the software is phased out of their platforms.

For the manufacturers, this change might simplify the user interface by removing a feature that caused online complaints. Since the app was forcibly installed on many devices, its removal could lead to a cleaner user experience for some customers. It also allows these brands to focus on other smart features that have higher consumer approval.

The partnership between Microsoft and TV makers will likely continue to evolve as other AI technologies emerge. However, the specific