All Dolby Vision 2 TVs will require a software update

Dolby Vision 2 is still scheduled to launch in 2026, but all TVs announced with Dolby Vision 2 will require a software update to enable it, and there is no content available yet.

Should you rush out to buy a TV with Dolby Vision 2?

It is useful for future-proofing, but it is worth knowing that the rollout will take time. Here is what you need to know.


Dolby Vision 2 for TVs
Hisense is the most optimistic, saying the update may arrive as early as end of Q2 or Q3 2026. Philips and TCL, however, have told FlatpanelsHD to expect their software updates in "late 2026" and Q4 2026, respectively.

These three brands will be first to roll out Dolby Vision 2. LG has opted not to support it in its 2026 lineup, while Samsung still does not support Dolby Vision in any form. Dolby itself is also describing the rollout as an "end of the year" development.

- "Hisense, TCL and Philips have announced plans to release a wide range of Dolby Vision 2 enabled TVs globally by the end of the year, with Peacock and Canal+ committed to delivering content," Dolby said in its latest financial report on April 30, 2026.

Dolby Vision 2 will not come to older TVs that were not originally announced with support for the format, as it requires new hardware – specifically a MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip or newer. Only Dolby Vision 2 Max will support the full feature set.

 Also read: All our Dolby Vision 2 questions, answered


Dolby Vision 2 content
So far, only Peacock and Canal+ have been announced as content distribution partners. No movie studios have confirmed plans yet, but we expect to hear more later this year or in 2027 as Dolby and its partners prepare the rollout.

At a launch event in Warsaw, Poland, Marek Maciejewski, Product Development Director for TCL Europe, explained that the first phase will involve existing Dolby Vision titles being converted to Dolby Vision 2, allowing titles to look better on Dolby Vision 2-enabled TVs. Only later will studios begin mastering content specifically for Dolby Vision 2, as workflows and production tools still need time to mature and gain adoption.

In other words, buyers may only see some of the benefits of Dolby Vision 2 in 2026 or 2027, with the further improvements coming later.

Until then, one of the key questions is whether major services such as Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon and Apple will adopt Dolby Vision 2. Apple currently offers the largest digital catalog of Dolby Vision movies, Netflix has the broadest selection of series, and UHD Blu-ray generally provides the best quality. Dolby Vision 2 could technically work on UHD Blu-ray, but it would require new hardware, which seems unlikely.

FlatpanelsHD will return with more details on Dolby Vision 2 later.