LG backtracks, will quickly let customers delete Copilot from its good TVs

LG has just lately confronted backlash after its newest webOS replace automatically installed Microsoft Copilot on its good TVs, irritating many customers who instantly discovered an app they did not ask for and could not delete.

Now, LG has clarified that the Copilot icon is not an app however a “shortcut” to a model of Copilot that runs within the TV’s internet browser — not “an application-based service embedded within the TV” (through The Verge).

One of many largest complaints LG TV homeowners had was that the Copilot icon could not be deleted, solely hidden, and now LG says it’s going to take steps to repair this and permit customers to delete it. An LG spokesperson advised The Verge that it “respects shopper alternative and can take steps to permit customers to delete the shortcut icon if they need.”

Nonetheless, LG might want to replace webOS to permit customers to delete the Copilot shortcut, and no timeline has been offered for when customers will really be capable of try this.

LG including Copilot to its TVs wasn’t a complete shock

It introduced it could do that at CES 2025, nevertheless it did not occur till just lately

LG first introduced it could add Copilot to its TVs at CES 2025 earlier this yr, nevertheless it wasn’t till mid-December that the app began showing on TVs. I’ve an LG TV myself, and Copilot solely confirmed up after my TV robotically up to date over the weekend.

The problem actually blew up due to a Reddit post titled “My LG TV’s new software program replace put in Microsoft Copilot, which can’t be deleted,” which shortly went viral. It racked up over 35,000 upvotes and hundreds of feedback from customers venting their frustrations with AI, lots of whom stated they’ve disconnected their good TVs from the web completely to keep away from issues like this.

On the brilliant facet for LG TV homeowners, the corporate is definitely listening and can quickly let customers delete the Copilot icon. They will simply have to attend for LG so as to add that performance in a future webOS replace — hopefully sooner fairly than later. That stated, it is onerous not to consider how simply this complete scenario might have been prevented if LG had simply allowed customers to delete it from the get-go.