Samsung's $1,800+ fridges are going to start displaying adverts
Published on Oct 03, 2025 at 9:10 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Oct 03, 2025 at 11:53 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Samsung has confirmed that its high-tech WiFi-enabled fridges are going to start displaying adverts.
Samsung was one of the first major companies to introduce smart refrigerators.
The futuristic-sounding fridges are hooked up to the internet and have a Family Hub screen on the front.
The touchscreen allows you to do a number of different things, from playing music to checking what’s inside your fridge without opening the door – and soon some fridges are going to start displaying adverts.
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US-owned Samsung fridges are going to start displaying adverts
Last month, a Samsung fridge owner took to Reddit to share a screenshot of new terms and conditions.
In the shot, the update said that in order to ‘enhance’ Samsung’s service, it would display advertisements on the cover screen for the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes.
At the time, some folks assumed it might have been a mistake or a miscommunication, but now Samsung has confirmed that ads will be coming to ‘certain Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models’ in the US.
“Samsung is committed to innovation and enhancing everyday value for our home appliance customers,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen that value, we are conducting a pilot program to offer promotions and curated advertisements on certain Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models in the US market.
“As a part of this pilot program, Family Hub refrigerators in the US will receive an over-the-network software update with Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. Advertising will appear on certain Family Hub refrigerator Cover Screens.”
The statement went on to say that the ads only appear when the Family Hub screen is ‘idle’ and that they won’t appear when the screen is displaying picture albums or is in ‘Art Mode’.
“Advertisements can be dismissed on the cover screens where ads are shown, meaning that specific ads will not appear again during the campaign period,” the statement added.
The move has caused a stir online
As you might imagine, Samsung’s decision has caused a stir online, with some folks unimpressed with move.
On the original Reddit post, several people said the move was enough to put them off buying a smart fridge.
“Just another reason not to buy a smart fridge – I put my food in, and I take my food out,” one wrote.
“So glad I’m too poor to deal with stuff like this,” someone else joked.
“This is one reason why I’m hesitant to buy smart anything,” another commented.
Further details about the trial, such as how long it will run for and if it will roll out to other countries, haven’t yet been revealed.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
