Samsung has rolled out a new update for its premium refrigerators that’s already sparking controversy among users. The change enables the built-in display on these models to show advertising directly on the home screen.
The feature seems to tie into the company’s “Screens Everywhere” strategy, which emphasizes placing displays across various high-end appliances.
Ads on Your Fridge Screen
The discussion began after a Reddit user shared a screenshot showing their refrigerator had received the update. According to the patch notes, the new software activates ads in certain themes, such as Climate, Color, and Daily Board.
In practice, this means that anyone using these display themes will now see advertising content as part of their everyday experience with the fridge.
Not All Themes Will Show Ads
The good news—at least for now—is that Samsung says Art and Gallery themes will remain free from ads. Users who don’t want to be exposed to promotional content will need to stick with these ad-free options.
Samsung has not clarified exactly which refrigerator models will receive this update, nor has it outlined whether the change will roll out globally or remain limited to certain regions. The Reddit post also did not specify the exact model in question, leaving the full scope of the update unclear.
While details are still murky, the move suggests Samsung may be experimenting with new monetization strategies across its connected home ecosystem. If successful, similar ad-supported updates could extend to other smart appliances in the future.