Sony is preparing to strip several core functionalities from its recent lineup of Bravia smart TVs, a move that will primarily impact users who still rely on traditional antennas and set-top boxes. Starting in late May 2026, a series of software changes will reduce the utility of the integrated TV guides and menu systems for millions of viewers.
The decision to start Sony removing features for Bravia smart TVs marks a noticeable shift in how the company supports legacy viewing methods. For those who utilize over-the-air (OTA) antennas, the experience will turn into significantly more stripped-down. According to a Sony support page, the electronic program guide (EPG) will be reduced, and users may locate that “program information may not appear depending on the channel.”
the guide will no longer offer a comprehensive overview of available programming. Instead, Sony noted that “only programs from recently watched channels may be shown” for those receiving signals via an antenna. This change effectively removes the ability to browse the full schedule of local broadcasts, a feature long considered a staple of the smart TV experience.
Beyond the loss of scheduling data, the visual interface is also being downgraded. Users will no longer see channel logos or thumbnail images within program descriptions for antenna-delivered content. This removes the quick visual cues that allow viewers to identify networks and shows at a glance, turning a rich, graphical interface into a text-heavy list.
The shift for set-top box and Google TV users
The updates aren’t limited to antenna users. Those who use a set-top box—such as a cable or satellite receiver—will see their dedicated menu replaced by a new “control menu.” Whereas Sony has not provided a detailed breakdown of the new interface, the transition typically suggests a move toward a more streamlined, less dense menu. However, this simplification is expected to result in fewer overall functionalities for those managing external hardware through their TV’s OS.
The most widespread change occurs within the Google TV operating system (OS). The aggregated TV guide, which blends content from antennas, free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, and other live streaming services into a single view, will no longer display thumbnail images for programs. These preview images often serve as a primary way for users to identify movies or series without having to read through full descriptions, and their removal will affect the visual cohesion of the entire home screen.
From a technical perspective, these kinds of removals often signal a shift in how a manufacturer handles metadata. Maintaining real-time, graphical program data for thousands of local antenna channels requires constant API updates and server-side resources. By limiting the guide to “recently watched” channels and removing thumbnails, Sony likely reduces the bandwidth and processing overhead required to keep the interface snappy.
Which Bravia models are affected?
The feature removals target high-end models from the last three production years. This includes flagship OLED and Mini-LED sets that were marketed as premium hubs for all types of media consumption.
| Model Year | Series/Model Name | Model Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Bravia 8 II / Bravia 5 | XR80M2 / XR50 |
| 2024 | Bravia 9 / Bravia 8 / Bravia 7 | XR90 / XR80 / XR70 |
| 2023 | Bravia A95L Series | A95L |
Sony has offered a brief apology regarding the changes, stating on its support page, “We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” The company has not provided a specific technical justification for why these features are being deprecated.
The decline of the traditional tuner
The timing of these removals aligns with a broader industry trend: the steady migration of viewers away from linear broadcasting and toward on-demand streaming. As more households “cut the cord,” manufacturers are increasingly viewing the built-in TV tuner as a secondary feature rather than a primary one.
However, a significant minority of viewers still rely on these tools. Data indicates that traditional viewing remains a default for many; for instance, a 2025 survey of 2,200 US adults by Horowitz Research found that 19 percent of respondents still use an antenna. Similarly, 2024 research from Hub Entertainment Research found that 26 percent of US TV viewers with broadband access still consider a set-top box their default device for watching television.
For these users, the loss of a robust TV guide and visual identifiers is more than a minor inconvenience—it changes the fundamental way they navigate their daily media. The removal of these features essentially pushes users toward the “app-centric” model of viewing, where the TV acts as a monitor for a streaming service rather than a receiver for a broadcast signal.
As the late May 2026 deadline approaches, affected users may desire to verify their current firmware versions and check for any final updates that maintain the current guide functionality. Sony has not indicated that there is a way to opt out of these changes once the software update is pushed to the affected Bravia models.
We will continue to monitor Sony’s support channels for any further clarification or potential workarounds for affected users. If you’ve noticed changes to your Bravia interface or have questions about your specific model, we invite you to share your experience in the comments below.
