Crunchyroll ended support for Apple TV 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-generation models on September 15, 2022. This was a past cutoff, not a new September deadline for current Apple TV devices. The contemporary report said Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K remained supported at the time, subject to the then-current tvOS requirement.
Which Apple TV models lost Crunchyroll support?
The affected devices were the first three Apple TV generations, which cannot run the tvOS version Crunchyroll required at the time. Apple’s model-identification guide lists these model numbers:
| Apple TV generation | Model number | Crunchyroll status in the September 2022 report |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | A1218 | Support ended September 15, 2022 |
| 2nd generation | A1378 | Support ended September 15, 2022 |
| 3rd generation | A1427 or A1469 | Support ended September 15, 2022 |
| Apple TV HD | A1625 | Reported as supported at the time |
| Apple TV 4K, 1st generation | A1842 | Reported as supported at the time |
The date and service cutoff come from 9to5Mac’s August 2022 report, which summarized Crunchyroll’s announcement. Apple’s Apple TV model-identification guide provides the model numbers.
Why did Crunchyroll stop supporting them?
The 2022 report said Crunchyroll required the latest tvOS version, which was tvOS 15.6 at the time. The first-, second- and third-generation Apple TV boxes could not run it, so they no longer met the app’s requirement. The report said Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K users could continue using Crunchyroll then.
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That historical statement should not be treated as a guarantee of present-day compatibility for every older Apple TV. Crunchyroll’s current supported-device listing gives tvOS 17 as the minimum for Apple TV, but it does not enumerate every model. Check both the exact box and the current app requirement before relying on it.
Does the September cutoff affect Apple TV 4K now?
No. The September 15, 2022 cutoff covered the first three Apple TV generations, not Apple TV 4K as a category. Apple’s current tvOS 27 guide specifically says that Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) and Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) are supported by tvOS 27. Their model numbers are A2169 for the 2nd generation and A2737 or A2843 for the 3rd generation.
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This is a separate compatibility question from Crunchyroll’s app requirements. Apple’s operating-system support does not, on its own, guarantee the Crunchyroll app will run on a particular device; verify current app support for the precise model. See Apple’s Apple TV 4K user guide and model guide.
What can you use instead of the app on an older Apple TV?
AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad
The 2022 report described AirPlay as an option: play Crunchyroll on an iPhone or iPad and send it to an Apple TV 3rd generation or later, or to an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. This requires a compatible Apple device and an AirPlay-capable receiving device; it is a way to stream from another device, not a restoration of the discontinued Apple TV app support.
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Use another supported device
Crunchyroll’s device listing includes Roku, Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV, game consoles and some smart-TV platforms, in addition to Apple TV. Support can vary by specific model, so check the listing for the exact device rather than assuming every product in a category works.
Watch on a phone, tablet or browser
The contemporaneous report also named iPhone, iPad and a compatible web browser as viewing options. These routes avoid relying on the discontinued app on the older Apple TV.
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Should you replace the old Apple TV?
If you want a dedicated Apple streaming box, Apple TV 4K (2nd or 3rd generation) is a reasonable replacement candidate: Apple lists both generations as supporting tvOS 27. Still confirm Crunchyroll’s current requirement and compatibility for the exact device before buying. If you already have an iPhone or iPad, AirPlay may be enough; if you prefer another streaming platform, check a specific Roku, Fire TV or other supported device. The choice depends on the hardware you own, the value you place on Apple ecosystem features, and whether you want a separate streaming box.
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