Apple's 2022 Apple TV 4K stands at risk of setting an unwanted record for the longest time between updates. With 1,244 days already passed since its release, the device needs a new model by July 4 to avoid breaking the existing record of 1,337 days set by the 2017 A10X Fusion model. Customers have grown vocal about the lack of new hardware as the current set-top box approaches this milestone.

The delay reportedly stems from Apple waiting for an AI-related software update before releasing new hardware. This could mean waiting until tvOS 27 in the fall of 2026. Despite the hardware's age, Apple continues to update the current Apple TV 4K with new features, keeping it somewhat competitive in the streaming market.

The extended update cycle feels especially long given that the previous generation lasted just 532 days. Apple reconfigured the third-gen hardware in 2022 to be more affordable, which benefits consumers stuck with a single version for several years. The original Apple TV HD remained in the lineup for 2,545 days but served as a budget option throughout its lifespan, unlike the current premium model that hasn't seen a refresh.