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Panasonic has officially unveiled the first TVs that will go on sale in 2026. The new lineup includes both OLED and LCD models, but the most significant change is the start of a strategic collaboration with Chinese manufacturer Skyworth. The partnership is expected to affect not only device production but also the development of future technologies used in televisions. The manufacturer has also opted to make greater use of third-party operating systems, abandoning further development of its own platform. The range includes devices running Google TV, Fire TV and TiVo OS, and in some regions Roku as well. Panasonic says this is just the beginning of the changes and that it will reveal more models later this year.
New OLED and miniLED TVs open Panasonic's 2026 lineup
One of the biggest new additions are the OLED Z85C and Z86C models, which use a new OLED SE panel. According to the manufacturer, the solution allows peak brightness of up to 1000 nits, despite these being more affordable TVs. Both models will be available in 55- and 65-inch variants. During the transition period, last year's flagship TVs, the Z95B and Z90B, will also remain on sale. Panasonic also confirmed that the Z95C, equipped with LG Display's second-generation Tandem WOLED panel, has already been shown in Japan. However, the company's European arm has not confirmed whether the device will reach markets outside Japan. The LCD TV lineup has also been expanded. The W95C and W97C models received more than a thousand miniLED local dimming zones and a peak brightness reaching 1500 nits. Cheaper miniLED models, such as the W94C, instead use the Fire TV system. Panasonic also promises further launches before the end of 2026.
Współpraca ze Skyworth zmienia strategię Panasonic
The strategic partnership with Skyworth means much bigger changes for Panasonic than just a new line of TVs. The manufacturer has abandoned development of its own operating system derived from Firefox OS and has opted for Google TV, Fire TV, TiVo OS and Roku platforms in selected regions. All TVs support Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple Home, and Google TV models additionally include a built-in Chromecast. Most of the new LCD TVs have a matte anti-reflective coating that more effectively reduces light reflections, although it may slightly affect colour intensity. Models from the W92C series upwards have been equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting eARC, ALLM and VRR. The manufacturer retained support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, but has still not opted to implement QMS. The largest LCD TVs in this year’s lineup have an 86-inch diagonal, which means Panasonic still isn't joining manufacturers that offer 98- and 100-inch models. Through the partnership with Skyworth, the company aims to achieve a double-digit share of the European TV market, where Chinese manufacturers have been gaining ground in recent years. The first TVs from the 2026 series are expected to go on sale in Europe in late summer and autumn.
Panasonic is beginning a new phase in the development of its televisions thanks to a strategic partnership with Skyworth. The 2026 lineup includes new OLED and miniLED models, a wider choice of operating systems and a number of technological changes. The manufacturer says further devices will be revealed before the end of the year, and the collaboration with the Chinese partner should help the company regain a stronger position in the European market.
source: flatpanelshd
