Full Breakdown
LG Smart TVs Face Backlash Over Unremovable Microsoft Copilot App
12/16/2025, 4:11:00 AM
Introduction of Microsoft Copilot to LG TVs
Recent updates to LG smart TVs have sparked significant user dissatisfaction due to the unremovable Microsoft Copilot app being added to the home screen. This issue was first reported on Reddit, where users expressed frustration over the app's presence following a webOS software update. The Copilot app appears alongside popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu but cannot be deleted, leading to widespread complaints from LG TV owners.
Background on LG's AI Strategy
LG has been positioning itself as a leader in AI technology within the television market. At CES 2025, the company announced its plans to integrate Microsoft Copilot into its webOS platform, describing it as an extension of its AI Search experience. The integration aims to provide users with recommendations and answers using Microsoft's AI capabilities. However, the implementation has drawn criticism for being forced upon consumers without an option for removal.
User Reactions and Criticism
The reaction from LG TV owners has been overwhelmingly negative. Many users have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with one Reddit post about the Copilot app receiving over 35,000 upvotes. Critics argue that the app's installation without consent exemplifies a troubling trend of companies imposing unwanted features on consumers. While LG allows users to disable certain AI-related options, such as voice recognition, the Copilot app remains a permanent fixture.
Official Statements & Responses
LG has not publicly addressed the backlash regarding the Copilot app at the time of reporting. The company's support documentation indicates that certain preinstalled apps cannot be deleted, only hidden. This limitation has left users feeling powerless, as they are unable to remove the app entirely from their devices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While LG's integration of AI features has been met with criticism, some users have noted that other brands, such as Samsung and TCL, are also incorporating AI tools into their smart TVs. However, these brands appear to offer more flexibility, as Samsung's implementation of Microsoft Copilot does not involve a permanent app on the home screen. The disparity in user experience raises questions about LG's approach to AI integration.
What's Next for LG and Its Users?
As the backlash continues, it remains uncertain whether LG will respond to consumer complaints by allowing users to remove the Copilot app. For now, users seeking to minimize the app's presence can only disconnect their TVs from the Internet, limiting its functionality. The situation highlights a growing concern among consumers regarding the imposition of AI features in smart devices, prompting calls for greater user control over installed applications.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The issue, for many, isn’t necessarily what Copilot does, but that it has been forced onto consumers with no option to remove it.” — Tom's Hardware
- “Users who encounter Copilot after the update report that this limitation applies, leaving them with no way to fully remove the feature once it has been added.” — Tom's Hardware
- “Like, I'd go with LG or Samsung literally because it's not Google or Microsoft and here comes idiot LG and preloads Copilot on everyone's TVs with no ability to remove it.” — TechPowerUp User
