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Is the new Samsung software update putting advertisements on Family Hub cover screen?
An update for some Samsung smart refrigerators is preparing to place advertisements on the main screen. This change affects the Family Hub and Bespoke AI models, and the notification clearly states that ads are coming. Many people who own these refrigerators are unhappy with this development. They feel that an expensive appliance they purchased should not be used as a space for advertising.
What the Update Changes
The update notice specifies that ads will appear on some of the most functional screen settings. If you use your refrigerator’s screen to display useful, everyday information, you may soon see promotional content alongside it. The change is not just about ads; it also adjusts other small features on the device.
- Ads on Utilitarian Screens: Advertisements will show up if your screen is set to Weather, Color, or Daily Board. These are the modes that many people use for quick glances at the time, weather forecasts, or family notes.
- Ad-Free Screens (For Now): The Art and Gallery modes will not have ads. These settings turn the screen into a digital picture frame, displaying artwork or personal photos.
- Other Software Adjustments: The update also adds a Samsung News widget to the Daily Board. It removes some of the example voice commands for Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant. Lastly, it integrates news, weather, and calendar details directly into the Weather and Color themes.
Why This Change is Unpopular
The core issue for many users is the principle of the matter. These smart refrigerators can cost several thousand dollars. Customers who pay a premium price for a high-end appliance do not expect it to become a billboard in their kitchen. The feeling is that the initial purchase price should cover the full, ad-free experience. Forcing ads onto the product after the sale feels like a violation of that understanding.
This situation reflects a growing trend where companies look for new ways to generate revenue from hardware products long after they have been sold. For customers, a smart appliance is a long-term investment for their home. For the company, it can be seen as an ongoing platform for services and advertising. When these two views clash, it often leads to user frustration. People worry that this is just the beginning and that more intrusive ads could appear in the future. The trust between the customer and the company is tested when features are changed in a way that benefits the company at the expense of the user’s experience.
Samsung’s Contradictory Statements
This move did not happen without some warning, though the company’s messaging has been inconsistent. In May, executives from Samsung Ads mentioned a pilot program for “personal ads” on Family Hub screens during an advertising conference. They described the idea as a way to help users discover new things, suggesting the ads would be appropriate and not just clutter.
However, this idea was presented to an audience of advertisers, not to the general public who own the refrigerators. It was framed as an opportunity for brands to reach consumers in their homes. This perspective is very different from how a homeowner sees their kitchen appliance.
Adding to the confusion, a key figure from Samsung’s digital appliance research and development team stated in an April interview that the company had no plans to put ads on its AI Home screens. At the time, this was taken as a promise that screens would remain ad-free. Now, that statement appears to have meant “not right now” rather than “not ever.” This inconsistency makes it difficult for customers to know what to expect from the products they own.
How to Potentially Avoid the Ads
If you do not want to see ads on your refrigerator screen, you have a couple of options. Neither choice is perfect, and each comes with a significant trade-off.
First, you can change your screen’s setting to either Art or Gallery mode. These modes are currently exempt from ads. This allows you to display beautiful images or a slideshow of your family photos instead of the more functional daily dashboards. While this works for now, it is a workaround, not a permanent solution. You lose the at-a-glance information from the Weather or Daily Board screens. It is also not guaranteed that Samsung will keep these modes ad-free in the future.
Second, a more technical option is to block the refrigerator from accessing the internet. Some users have suggested using network-level ad-blockers like a Pi-hole or changing router settings to isolate the appliance. This approach would likely prevent the ads from loading. However, it will also disable all of the “smart” features that make the refrigerator a connected device. Functions like calendar syncing, sending notes from your phone, and using the Bixby assistant would no longer work. You would essentially be turning your expensive smart fridge into a standard, non-connected one.
What Is Still Unknown
At this moment, key details about the update remain unclear. The initial report came from a single user, and there has not been a widespread confirmation from other owners or an official announcement from Samsung detailing the plan. We do not know which specific refrigerator models are included in this rollout or what the timeline is. It is possible this is a limited test or a slow rollout that will expand over time. Owners should keep an eye out for any update notifications on their device to see if and when their model is affected.