LG has decided to exit the 8K TV market entirely. The company will no longer produce or introduce new 8K OLED or 8K LCD models. This move comes after similar decisions by Sony and TCL, leaving Samsung as the main brand still offering 8K sets.
LG pulls plug on 8K TVs
LG had been a key player in 8K. It stood out by offering both OLED and LCD options in 8K, unlike most competitors.
The first 8K OLED arrived in 2019 as the 88-inch Z9 model. LG updated the line over the years. In 2022, the ZX series added a 77-inch version. Annual refreshes followed through 2023 with Z1, Z2, and Z3 models. The Z3 carried on into 2024 and 2025 but received no successor for 2026. It marked the only widely available 8K OLED TV globally.
For 8K LCD, LG started with the SM99 in 2019. The range expanded in 2021 with more affordable choices. It scaled back in 2022, skipped new models in 2023, and wrapped up with the QNED99T in 2024 for certain regions. That model lingered into 2025 but has since run out of stock and been discontinued.
LG Display, the panel supplier, told FlatpanelsHD that work on 8K OLED panels has stopped for now. They could resume if demand picks up.
The 8K category struggled for years. High prices kept buyers away. Native 8K content remains rare. Many pointed to aggressive upscaling claims that overstated benefits. Top 4K TVs often deliver better overall picture quality in brightness, contrast, and processing.
Earlier exits set the stage. TCL left in 2023. Sony ended its Z9K series in 2025, with no replacement. Hisense and Panasonic stepped back or never fully committed. Philips showed prototypes but cited lack of market readiness.
Samsung continues with 8K in its Neo QLED lineup. Plans for 2026 remain unclear from recent reports.
This shift highlights a focus on 4K advancements. OLED improvements, higher brightness, and better features dominate current lineups. Resolution alone no longer drives premium sales.
