Fender Play Strikes a Chord with Samsung TV Integration, Excludes Older Models

Couch surfing is out; couch shredding is in, apparently. At CES 2026, Fender and Samsung unveiled a surprising collaboration: the Fender Play guitar lesson app, coming directly to Samsung TVs. But before you dust off that old six-string, there's a catch that raises questions about accessibility and planned obsolescence.

A Stage for Virtual Guitar Lessons

The Fender Play app, already a staple on mobile devices, is set to make its debut on Samsung TVs in the first half of this year. Engadget reports that users can access video-based lessons for electric, acoustic, bass, and even ukulele, catering to various skill levels. Lessons are built around popular songs, ranging from classics like The Beatles' “Blackbird” to modern hits such as Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License.” Jam Mode allows more experienced players to play along to genre-specific playlists.

While Fender Play has been available on smaller screens, a native TV app offers a more immediate, larger-format experience. No more squinting to decipher chord progressions, promises Fender. This integration appears to streamline the learning process for aspiring musicians, leveraging the convenience of having lessons readily available on the biggest screen in the house. The app boasts virtual instructors teaching all levels of guitar players. Subscriptions run $20 monthly or $150 annually, including a seven-day trial.

The High Cost of Entry

Here’s where the harmony falls flat. Fender Play will only be available on Samsung TVs released in 2025 or later. This exclusion of older models raises concerns about equitable access. Are consumers being subtly pressured to upgrade their perfectly functional televisions to access this new feature? How does this limited compatibility align with Fender's stated mission of making music education accessible? This decision echoes the concerns surrounding planned obsolescence, where companies incentivize upgrades by limiting software support on older hardware.

This move underscores the tech industry's ongoing dance with accessibility. While Fender Play on Samsung TVs could democratize guitar learning for some, it simultaneously erects a barrier for others. The focus should be on inclusivity, not driving unnecessary consumption. As we move forward, it's crucial to demand more responsible innovation that prioritizes access for all, not just those with the latest gadgets. The pursuit of musical expression shouldn’t be gatekept by the year your TV was manufactured; the future of music education depends on it.