TV Buying Guide
WHEN DO NEW TVS COME OUT? THE ULTIMATE RELEASE CALENDAR
If you're waiting to buy a new television, timing is everything. Whether you want the absolute latest display tech or you're trying to time the market for a deep discount on last year's flagship, the annual release cycle can save you hundreds of dollars.
The Annual TV Release Timeline
Most major TV manufacturers operate on a strict 12-month release cycle. Here's how a typical model year unfolds.
January: The Announcements (CES)
Every year starts at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This is where Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense reveal their flagship lineups for the upcoming year — prototype technology, flagship OLEDs, high-end Mini-LED displays, and ambitious next-gen concepts.
Exception: Sony frequently skips CES for TV debuts, choosing instead to hold its own dedicated launch event later in the spring.
March – May: First Wave In Stores
The flagship models unveiled at CES begin arriving in physical stores and online retailers starting in early spring:
- March–April: LG and Samsung usually launch their flagship OLED and premium Mini-LED models first.
- May: Mid-range lineups and entry-level models from these brands start making their way to shelves.
June – August: Second Wave & Mid-Range Push
Summer brings releases from value-focused brands and secondary lines:
- June–July: Brands like TCL and Hisense release their main display lineups.
- Late Summer: Sony's premium QD-OLEDs and Mini-LEDs, along with models from Panasonic and Philips, fully roll out.
Brand-by-Brand Release Schedule
| Brand | Announcement | In-Store |
|---|---|---|
| LG | January (CES) | March – May |
| Samsung | January (CES) | March – April |
| TCL | January (CES) | May – July |
| Hisense | January (CES) | June – July |
| Sony | March – April | June – August |
When Should You Actually Buy?
The "newest" TV isn't always the smart choice on day one. Early adopters pay top dollar (MSRP), while predecessor models sell at deep discounts.
- Best time for discounts on previous-year models: March through May. As brand-new models arrive, retailers discount outgoing stock to clear warehouse space.
- Best time to buy current-year models: Black Friday through Super Bowl Sunday. By late autumn, current-year models see their first significant price drops, reaching rock-bottom prices right around January/February.
If you want the absolute latest features, plan on shopping between April and July. If your goal is maximum performance per dollar, hold off until November through February to catch current-year sets at deep discount prices.
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