Hisense is making waves in the smart TV industry by committing to an impressive “up to 8 years of updates” for its VIDAA TV platform, starting with 2025 models [1]. This move positions the company as a leader in software support, potentially outlasting promises from competitors like Samsung (7 years) [2] and LG (4 major updates) [3].
This guide will explain everything you need to know about Hisense’s new update policy: what the updates include, which TVs are eligible, and what the “up to” phrasing means for you as a consumer.
`The 2025 Announcement: A Deeper Look
In early 2025, Hisense officially announced its commitment to providing long-term software support for its proprietary VIDAA operating system [4]. The company stated this policy is designed to “reflect our dedication to delivering a smart TV experience that grows with our users’ needs” [1].
It’s crucial to understand the wording of the promise: “up to 8 years of updates”. This indicates that 8 years is the maximum potential support period, and the actual duration may vary by model and region [5]. It represents a best-case scenario rather than a universal guarantee for every VIDAA TV.
What Do the VIDAA OS Updates Include?
Hisense has outlined several key areas that these updates will cover, ensuring your TV remains functional and secure long after purchase [6].
- Enhanced Security: The updates will include regular security patches to protect your personal data and maintain the platform’s integrity against emerging threats [7].
- App Compatibility: You can expect ongoing compatibility with popular streaming services, ensuring your TV can run the latest versions of apps like Netflix and Disney+ with all their new features [8].
- Performance Boosts: The updates will bring refinements and optimizations to improve the overall user experience, keeping the interface fast and responsive over time [9].
- New Features: Hisense has confirmed that the updates will deliver new functionality. For example, some 2025 models launching with VIDAA 8.5 will receive an upgrade to VIDAA 9.0 later in the year [10].
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Commitment | Up to 8 years of software updates [1] |
| Covered Areas | Security patches, app compatibility, performance improvements, new features [6] |
| Primary Eligibility | Focus on 2025 and newer VIDAA-based Hisense TVs [11] |
| Key Regional Note | Policy most relevant for Europe and international markets; fewer VIDAA models in North America [12] |
Which Hisense TVs Are Eligible for the 8-Year Updates?
This is the most critical part of the announcement. The 8-year update policy applies specifically to TVs running the VIDAA OS platform [1].
Hisense uses different operating systems in different regions. VIDAA is most common in Europe and other international markets. If you are in North America, the situation is different. Most Hisense TVs sold there use other platforms like Google TV, Android TV, or Roku TV. As of mid-2025, Hisense’s US website listed only 11 VIDAA models compared to over 150 models using other platforms [13].
Actionable Tip: To check your TV’s OS, go to Home → Settings → Support → About on your TV. If you see “VIDAA” listed, your model is potentially covered by this new policy. If you see “Android TV” or “Google TV,” your TV’s updates are governed by Google’s and Hisense’s separate support cycles. For help troubleshooting those platforms, see our guide on Hisense Play Store issues.
Why a Long-Term TV Update Policy Matters
TVs are typically kept for much longer than smartphones—often between seven to ten years [14]. In the past, TV manufacturers focused software updates on new models, leaving older TVs with outdated apps and potential security vulnerabilities.
This new policy from Hisense, along with similar commitments from Samsung and LG, represents a significant shift. It acknowledges that the software experience is just as important as the hardware quality. Long-term support:
- Extends the functional lifespan of your TV
- Protects your investment by ensuring it doesn’t become obsolete prematurely
- Keeps the ecosystem secure for all users
How Does VIDAA Compare to Google TV and Android TV?
Your experience with updates will be very different depending on which OS your Hisense TV runs. This new policy gives VIDAA a distinct advantage in terms of support longevity [15].
| Platform | Update Policy | App Store | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIDAA OS | Up to 8 years of updates (2025+ models) [1] | VIDAA App Store (regional content) [8] | Users in Europe wanting long-term support and a lean-back experience |
| Google TV / Android TV | OS updates driven by Google (~2-year major cycle); device support varies by manufacturer [16] | Full Google Play Store | Users who want the widest app selection and deep Google ecosystem integration |
For a more detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of each platform, check out our complete comparison: Android TV vs Google TV vs VIDAA.
The Bottom Line: Is Hisense’s Promise a Game-Changer?
Yes, Hisense’s commitment to up to 8 years of VIDAA updates is a significant and welcome step for the smart TV industry. For consumers in regions where VIDAA is prevalent, it promises a more future-proof purchase [17].
However, it’s important to temper expectations with the reality of the details:
- The “up to” phrasing means not every model may get the full 8 years [5]
- The policy has a strong regional focus, with limited impact in North America [12]
- It applies primarily to new 2025 models and onward; support for older models is unclear [11]
If you are buying a new Hisense TV in Europe, this policy makes VIDAA models an excellent choice for long-term value. If you are elsewhere, or your primary concern is having the absolute largest app selection, a Hisense TV with Google TV remains a solid option, though with a less specific long-term update guarantee from the manufacturer.
This article was updated on September 24, 2025, to reflect the latest official information on Hisense’s VIDAA update policy.
Sources & References
- [1] Hisense Official Press Release: VIDAA Update Policy 2025
- [2] Samsung 7-Year TV Update Policy Announcement
- [3] LG TV Software Update Policy
- [4] FlatpanelsHD: Hisense VIDAA Update Policy Coverage
- [5] TechRadar: Hisense 8-Year Update Policy Analysis
- [6] Hisense VIDAA Update Policy Details
- [7] Cybersecurity Insiders: Hisense Security Updates
- [8] Hisense VIDAA App Store Information
- [9] TechHive: VIDAA Update Policy Explained
- [10] AVForums: VIDAA 9.0 Update Announcement
- [11] Trusted Reviews: Hisense VIDAA Policy Coverage
- [12] RTINGS: Hisense VIDAA vs Google TV Comparison
- [13] Hisense US TV Models Page
- [14] Consumer Reports: TV Lifespan Study
- [15] Digital Trends: VIDAA vs Google TV Analysis
- [16] Google Android TV Support Policy
- [17] Forbes: Hisense 8-Year Promise Analysis
