The television industry acknowledges that 8K may not be the future after all.

The future of 8K televisions is looking bleak, as leading manufacturers including LG abandon the technology in favor of more viable options. This shift highlights the industry’s response to consumer demand and market trends.

Quick Context

8K technology was once touted as the next big leap in display quality. It began gaining traction during the 2010s, with Sharp unveiling the first 8K TV prototype at CES in 2012. In 2015, the first commercial 8K TVs became available for around $133,034 in Japan, followed by Samsung’s initial offerings in the United States in 2018 at a starting price of $3,500.

Decline of 8K Models

LG Display announced it would cease production of 8K LCD and OLED panels, reflecting a broader trend in the industry. A spokesperson for LG stated that the company is taking a “comprehensive view of current display market trends and the trends within the 8K content ecosystem.” This decision indicates that even though LG is technically ready to produce 8K technology, the market demand does not justify continued investment.

Market Responses

LG Electronics had been a pioneer in 8K OLED TVs, launching their first model, the 88-inch Z9, in 2019. However, in 2022, the company dropped the entry price of an 8K OLED TV to $13,000, demonstrating efforts to make the technology more accessible. Despite this attempt, demand remained low, leading to further disinterest in restocking their last modeled 8K LCD TV, the 2024 QNED99T.

Other major brands are also distancing themselves from 8K. TCL, after releasing its last 8K TV in 2021, confirmed in 2023 that it would not enter the 8K market again due to insufficient consumer interest. Similarly, Sony ceased production of its last 8K TVs in April 2025 and is unlikely to return, as it plans to shift the majority ownership of its Bravia TVs to TCL.

What’s Next?

The retreat from 8K technology suggests that manufacturers are pivoting towards more popular and practical innovations. As the focus shifts, the industry may concentrate on enhancing existing 4K technologies or exploring new advancements that better align with consumer needs and preferences.

Original source: Open the source

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