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Panasonic officially unveiled the first TVs that will go on sale in 2026. The new lineup includes both OLED and LCD models, but the most important change is the start of a strategic partnership with Chinese manufacturer Skyworth. The partnership is expected to affect not only device production but also the development of future technologies used in TVs. The company has also chosen to make greater use of third-party operating systems, discontinuing further development of its own platform. The lineup 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 changes and will reveal more models later this year.
New OLED and miniLED TVs open Panasonic's 2026 lineup
Among the biggest additions are the OLED Z85C and Z86C models, which use the new OLED SE panel. According to the manufacturer, the solution allows for brightness of up to 1000 nits, even though these are more affordable TVs. Both models will be available in 55- and 65-inch variants. 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. Panasonic's European division has not confirmed whether the model will be released outside Japan. The LCD TV lineup has also been expanded. The W95C and W97C models feature more than a thousand miniLED local-dimming zones and peak brightness of up to 1500 nits. Cheaper miniLED models, such as the W94C, use Fire TV. Panasonic also plans further launches before the end of 2026.
Collaboration with Skyworth changes Panasonic’s strategy
The strategic partnership with Skyworth means much bigger changes for Panasonic than just a new TV lineup. The manufacturer has completely stopped developing its own operating system derived from Firefox OS and is instead relying on Google TV, Fire TV, TiVo OS and Roku platforms in selected regions. All TVs support Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple Home, and models with Google TV additionally offer a built-in Chromecast. Most new LCD TVs have a matte anti-reflective coating that more effectively reduces reflections, though it may slightly affect color intensity. Models from the W92C series upward are equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting eARC, ALLM and VRR. The company retained support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, but still has not implemented QMS. The largest LCD TVs in this year’s lineup measure 86 inches diagonally, which means Panasonic still does not join manufacturers offering 98- and 100-inch models. Through the partnership with Skyworth the company aims to reach 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 fall.
Panasonic is entering a new phase in TV development through a strategic partnership with Skyworth. The 2026 lineup includes new OLED and miniLED models, a broader selection of operating systems, and a number of technological updates. The company says more devices will be unveiled before the end of the year, and the collaboration with its Chinese partner should help it regain a stronger position in the European market.
source: flatpanelshd
