Apple Issues Bug Fix with Apple TV 4.4.1 Software Update [Updated x2] - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Issues Bug Fix with Apple TV 4.4.1 Software Update [Updated x2]

by

apple tv 2010 obliqueLess than a week after releasing a significant 4.4 software update for the second-generation Apple TV, Apple has now released a 4.4.1 bug fix update for the device.

According to Apple's release notes, the update addresses an issue affecting a "small number" of units to have to connect to iTunes.

Software update: Addresses an issue that required a small number of Apple TV units to be connected to iTunes in order to complete the update.

The previous 4.4 software update had added a number of new features, including AirPlay video mirroring, Photo Stream support, movie trailers, and video content from the National Hockey League and The Wall Street Journal.

Update: Some users in our forums and elsewhere are reporting that the update has "bricked" their Apple TV units, requiring that they be connected to iTunes and restored. The update appears to have temporarily been pulled, but users should be careful in applying it when it is available.

(Thanks, Seth!)

Update 2: Apple has re-released the Apple TV 4.4.1 update, presumably addressing the issue users were experiencing with the initial version.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Popular Stories

General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Releases Second watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5 Betas

Monday April 13, 2026 10:06 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the second betas of upcoming watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 betas for testing purposes. The software comes two weeks after Apple released the first betas for each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. There's no word ...
Read Full Article • 4 comments
General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Releases Third watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5 Betas

Monday April 20, 2026 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the third betas of upcoming watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple released the second betas for each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. There's no word on ...
Read Full Article • 3 comments
apple tv peacock bundle

Apple TV and Peacock $20 Monthly Bundle Available on Amazon Prime Video, Offering a 30% Discount

Wednesday April 15, 2026 2:14 am PDT by
Apple and Amazon are partnering up for a $19.99/month streaming TV bundle that includes access to Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus. Available to customers in the U.S. for a limited time, the streaming bundle offers access to both services at a 30% discount, similar to the bundle that launched in October 2025. ‌Apple TV‌ is normally $12.99 per month, while Peacock starts at $16.99 for ...
Read Full Article • 20 comments

Top Rated Comments

ohbrilliance Avatar
ohbrilliance
190 months ago
Bricking

Pedantic alert. If the device can be restored by plugging into iTunes then the ATV was never 'bricked'. Bricking is unrecoverable save for recovery using specialised equipment.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
logandzwon
190 months ago
You're one of those "Malware vs. Virus" kind of guys, aren't you?

Thing is, unless you even know that it's possible to recover the Apple TV yourself (and connecting the Apple TV via USB to your PC isn't exactly "normal usage" like an iPhone or iPad), the device is as good as bricked.

Your one of those, "cars are only as good as their tank of gas," kind of guys, aren't you?

Thing is, unless you even know that it's possible to refill the gas tank yourself, (and opening the fuel door and gas cap isn't exactly, "normal driving,") the car is as good as junked.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macpeach55 Avatar
macpeach55
190 months ago
"Software update: Addresses an issue that required a small number of Apple TV units to be connected to iTunes in order to complete the update."

Well, I guess in a way they did address the issue; instead of a small number, now a LARGE number of people have to connect to iTunes!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
U
ubestbsteppin
190 months ago
I thought Aple pulled only the 4.4.1 update. I'm still running 4.3 and it says I'm up to date. Guess they pulled the 4.4 and the 4.4.1, anyone else seeing this?

Yes, same problem here.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
kornyboy
190 months ago
I thought Aple pulled only the 4.4.1 update. I'm still running 4.3 and it says I'm up to date. Guess they pulled the 4.4 and the 4.4.1, anyone else seeing this?

I'm getting the same thing.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
W
wovel
190 months ago
Your one of those, "cars are only as good as their tank of gas," kind of guys, aren't you?

Thing is, unless you even know that it's possible to refill the gas tank yourself, (and opening the fuel door and gas cap isn't exactly, "normal driving,") the car is as good as junked.
Filling the gas tank is a normal procedure, most if not all drivers do it frequently, and it is covered in the manual in the glove box.

I am not required to contact Ford technical support to figure out what to do when my car runs out of ga. (Or read the forums).

----------

My Apple TV is running 4.4 firmware, and it's working fine. Although NHL Gamecenter froze a couple times during the Habs/Sabres game last night. I don't know if there was a problem with the feed or a ATV/internet issue.

Both of mine are to. I think I will avoid the update menu for a bit.

----------

Filling the gas tank is a normal procedure, most if not all drivers do it frequently, and it is covered in the manual in the glove box.

I am not required to contact Ford technical support to figure out what to do when my car runs out of ga. (Or read the forums).

----------



Both of mine are to. I think I will avoid the update menu for a bit.

The manual does actually mention the recovery procedure :) http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Apple_TV_2nd_gen_Setup_Guide.pdf


It does require a micro-USB cable, not included.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments
Related Apple News: Mac | Entertainment | Travel | Culture | Reviews