Samsung expands Google Cast support to older TVs with a new firmware update.
Samsung has finally addressed a long-standing limitation for its smart TV users by rolling out a new firmware update that brings built-in Google Cast support to a wider range of devices. While the company’s 2026 TV lineup was already expected to include native casting capabilities, this update extends the feature to older models, offering a major upgrade for existing users.
This move effectively resolves the reliance on Samsung’s own casting ecosystem and opens the door for broader compatibility with Android and Chrome-powered devices.
Google Cast Expands Beyond 2026 Models
The biggest highlight of this update is that Google Cast is no longer limited to new televisions. While all 2026 Samsung TVs will include the feature out of the box, the firmware rollout ensures that select 2025 and 2024 models are also being upgraded. There are even indications that some 2023 models could receive similar support, although that has not been fully confirmed.
This update is being delivered through Samsung’s Tizen OS, specifically version 2115, which has already started appearing on certain devices. As with most firmware rollouts, availability will vary by region and model, and users may need to wait several weeks or longer before the update reaches their TV.
No More Dependence on Smart View
Before this update, Samsung TV users often had to rely on the company’s proprietary Smart View feature, typically requiring a Galaxy smartphone for seamless screen sharing. With the addition of Google Cast, that limitation is removed.
Users can now cast content directly from a wide range of Android devices or even Chrome browsers without needing to stay within Samsung’s ecosystem. This significantly improves flexibility and makes content sharing more accessible, especially for households using mixed-device environments.
Additional Features in the Firmware Update
Beyond casting support, the update also introduces compatibility with Samsung’s Universal Gestures feature when paired with a Samsung Galaxy Watch. This allows users to control certain TV functions using hand gestures detected by the smartwatch, adding a new layer of convenience and accessibility.
Although Samsung has not heavily promoted this update, it brings meaningful improvements in both functionality and user experience. Performance enhancements and minor system optimizations are also expected as part of the firmware package.
What About Older and Non-Samsung TVs?
For Samsung TVs released before 2024, the situation remains less clear. While some reports suggest that 2023 models may receive updates to Tizen OS, it is still uncertain whether full Google Cast support will be included for those devices.
For users with non-Samsung TVs, many modern smart TVs already include built-in casting features. Devices running the Google TV platform come with native casting support, while LG’s webOS ecosystem also integrates similar functionality.
Additionally, users who want guaranteed compatibility across any television can opt for a dedicated streaming device like the Google TV Streamer, which provides casting support even on older or non-smart TVs.
A Long-Awaited but Important Upgrade
Although Google has gradually moved away from standalone Chromecast hardware, the integration of Google Cast into smart TVs like those from Samsung reflects a broader industry shift toward built-in solutions.
For users, this update is more than just a minor feature addition. It removes ecosystem barriers, simplifies media sharing, and enhances the overall usability of Samsung TVs across multiple generations. Even if the rollout takes time, the upgrade is a meaningful step forward for anyone who has been waiting to cast content without extra devices or limitations.
About The Author
