Sony is preparing what could be its final major push in the premium television market before Chinese manufacturing giant TCL assumes a dominant role in the Japanese company’s display business, with details of a new Bravia 6 OLED range surfacing ahead of an expected 2026 launch later this year.

The new televisions, which industry sources claim will be assembled by TCL, are expected to arrive in sizes ranging from 48 to 83 inches and feature four HDMI 2.1 ports — a move likely aimed at gamers and enthusiasts who have criticised recent Sony models for limited connectivity.

The development comes as Sony battles to maintain relevance in a fiercely competitive global TV market increasingly dominated by Samsung, TCL and Hisense. With margins under pressure and market share slipping, Sony is understood to be focusing on profitability while relying more heavily on TCL’s manufacturing capabilities.

Under a recently announced agreement, TCL is expected to take a controlling 51 per cent stake in the future production and distribution of Sony-branded televisions, marking a significant shift for a company that once dominated the premium television sector.

Sony has already confirmed it will continue selling its 2025 Bravia 8 II QD-OLED and 2024 Bravia 8 WOLED models through 2026. However, the company has remained silent on any new OLED televisions for next year, fuelling speculation that future product development will increasingly be driven by TCL.

Despite the lack of official confirmation, evidence of a new Bravia 6 OLED lineup continues to mount. Multiple models have appeared in regulatory databases across several countries, including Australia, while Sony’s own website lists the Bravia 6 as compatible with a dedicated wall-mount bracket.

Industry observers believe the Bravia 6 will be positioned below the Bravia 8 in Sony’s lineup, targeting buyers seeking a more affordable OLED television. Sources suggest Sony may utilise lower-cost OLED EX panels, allowing the company to compete directly with LG’s B-series and Samsung’s S85 OLED ranges.

Perhaps most notably, the Bravia 6 is expected to offer four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports through the use of MediaTek’s Pentonic 800 processor — a chipset widely deployed in TCL televisions. The move contrasts sharply with Sony’s upcoming flagship Bravia 9 II, which is reportedly limited to just two HDMI 2.1 ports.

According to regulatory filings, the Bravia 6, carrying the internal A60 designation, will launch in 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83-inch sizes, strongly indicating the use of WOLED panel technology.

While the growing number of registrations points to an imminent announcement, Sony has yet to officially acknowledge the existence of the Bravia 6 range. For now, the new OLED lineup remains firmly in the rumour category.

What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Sony’s future in televisions may look very different from its past — with TCL positioned not just as a manufacturing partner, but as the company that could ultimately shape the next generation of Bravia televisions.