When I reviewed LG’s flagship G5 OLED earlier this year, software was somewhat of a gripe for me. I said “LG’s webOS used to be the gold standard for smart TV operating systems: quick, intuitive, and largely free of clutter. But as of 2025, it’s starting to feel like LG is trying to do too much.” The latest example? An AI co-pilot you didn’t ask for, can’t delete, and have to live with like a squatter.
In a recent software update, LG has quietly rolled out Microsoft’s Copilot app to its TVs, which now sits permanently glued to the home screen, whether you like it or not. And guess what? You probably don’t.
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This all started kicking off on Reddit, where LG TV owners clocked the new app. One Reddit post summed it up best: “When something is pushed this hard it begins to grate.” I found it on my own LG TV as well, confirming that the app has been pushed out.
LG revealed its Copilot plan back in January 2025 during CES, saying it would be a swanky new feature for its OLED TVs. Since then, there’s been radio silence. Not a peep about when it would arrive or what to expect. Now it’s here, but it’s not even the proper app LG promised. Instead, it’s a web-based shortcut, which is a rather poor experience to use.
Samsung did something similar a few months back with its 2025 smart TV line-up, where you can press a mic button and ask Copilot questions. In theory, these features are fine. But they should be, and historically have been, optional – not bolted into the firmware. There’s no official way to delete the app, either. Unless you’re keen to disconnect your TV from the internet (effectively neutering half the features and ruling out updates), Copilot’s there for good.
The real issue isn’t just that it’s there. It’s that users didn’t ask for this. This isn’t a passive update or advertising in a menu – which is bad enough. This AI assistant is being installed and locked in on a device you own. Let’s not pretend privacy questions aren’t front of mind for many. Is it collecting data? Is it watching what I watch? Can it listen? LG’s lack of transparency doesn’t help.
I can’t for the life of me see why you want (or need) an AI assistant on your TV. Much less being forced into one of the worst options on the market. If this is the future of smart TVs, maybe it’s time to consider dumb ones again. At least they don’t come with surprise AI assistants.
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