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Panasonic has officially unveiled the first televisions that will go on sale in 2026. The new line-up includes both OLED and LCD models, but the most significant change is the start of a strategic partnership with Chinese manufacturer Skyworth. The partnership is intended to influence not only the production of devices but also the development of future technologies used in televisions. The manufacturer has also decided to make wider 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 will reveal further models later this year.
New OLED and miniLED TVs open Panasonic’s 2026 line-up
One of the biggest additions are the OLED Z85C and Z86C models, which use a new SE OLED panel. According to the manufacturer, the solution allows for a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits, despite these being more affordable TVs. Both models will be available in 55- and 65-inch versions. During the transition period, last year’s flagship 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 unveiled in Japan. The company’s European division has not confirmed whether the device will be released outside Japan. The LCD TV range has also been expanded. The W95C and W97C models feature over a thousand miniLED local-dimming zones and a peak brightness of up to 1,500 nits. Cheaper miniLED models, such as the W94C, instead use the Fire TV system. Panasonic also promises further launches before the end of 2026.
Cooperation with Skyworth changes Panasonic’s strategy
The strategic partnership with Skyworth means much bigger changes for Panasonic than just a new line of TVs. The manufacturer has completely abandoned developing its own operating system derived from Firefox OS and has adopted Google TV, Fire TV, TiVo OS and Roku platforms in selected regions. All televisions support Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple Home, and models with Google TV also feature a built-in Chromecast. Most new LCD TVs have a matte anti-reflective coating that more effectively reduces reflections, although it may slightly affect colour intensity. Models from the W92C series upwards are 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 implemented the QMS feature. The largest LCDs in this year’s lineup measure 86 inches diagonally, which means Panasonic still isn’t joining manufacturers offering 98- and 100-inch models. Through the cooperation with Skyworth the company aims to secure a double-digit share of the European TV market, where Chinese manufacturers have been gaining ground in recent years. The first 2026-series TVs are expected to go on sale in Europe in late summer and autumn.
Panasonic is starting a new phase in its TV development thanks to a strategic partnership with Skyworth. The 2026 line-up 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 unveiled 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
