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

tvOS 27 Feature

Apple Seeds tvOS 27 Beta 4 to Developers

Monday July 20, 2026 10:01 am PDT by
Apple today seeded the fourth beta of tvOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming two weeks after Apple released the third beta. The beta can be downloaded and installed through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A free developer account is required. tvOS 27 has few new features compared to the other 27 software updates, but it does add a redesigned Podcasts app,...
Read Full Article • 12 comments
Rumored Home Products Thumb

Apple's 2026 Smart Home Lineup: New Apple TV, HomePod, and Home Hub

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:03 am PDT by
Now that Siri AI is ready to launch in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple can finally introduce new smart home products built to work with the smarter version of Siri. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple has multiple new home devices in development, several of which are rumored to launch before the end of the year. We're waiting on a new version...
Read Full Article • 53 comments
General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Seeds watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6 and visionOS 26.6 Release Candidates

Monday July 20, 2026 10:00 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the release candidate versions of upcoming watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6, and visionOS 26.6 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple seeded the fifth betas. The RCs are the final version of the software that will be released to the public as long as no bugs are found during this final testing period. The software updates are available...
Read Full Article • 3 comments

Top Rated Comments

ohbrilliance Avatar
ohbrilliance
193 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
193 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
193 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
193 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
193 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
193 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