I'd like to start with some counter-examples.
* My Blackberry (in 2010) required software updates that took a long time to download through my computer, and then a ridiculously long time to install. My Google Nexus downloads updates directly, installs them in a few minutes, and is ready to go. Generally updates add new functionality, bug fixes, improved energy conservation and improved UI responsiveness. (I have read about, but not experienced, some bugs introduced by updates.) I think the net effect of most software updates on an Android phone are positive.
* Windows - the "update story" is still not perfect. Ads in Windows 10 are atrocious (merely by existing, if not the actual experience of occasionally seeing them.) But largely, the updates are seamless, happening quietly and quickly in the background. The Anniversary Update introduced widespread improvements in features and improvements. The upcoming Creator's update will also introduce a great number of improvements. Comparing this to older update systems, it's a vast improvement. (Our taste for good update systems has certainly been elevated, and a lot of these experiences have likely been forgotten.)
* I own two laptops, both about 4 years old. While one has developed an occasional video issue which I believe is hardware related, they have both been (otherwise) wildly stable and reliable. (SSDs are vastly better than HDDs.) My desktop is 8 years old and it's still a perfectly competent gaming and web development machine (despite going from Windows 7 through 8, 8.1 and now 10.) I compare that to the various hardware driver issues I've experienced with past desktops, and the flakiness of laptops I've had in the past. I'd say computer hardware has been on a very positive trajectory.
* My TV and Roku are excellent at what they do. Fast UIs, low power usage, brilliant display of content. (Pre-2007, I had a 150 lb hunk of glass and plastic with a low resolution 35" screen. I also once had a VCR. TV hardware is unarguably better than it was in the past!)
It's certainly a shame that some hardware is actually ruined (i.e. bricked) by updates. There's no excuse for it, and if it's forced, the manufacturer should be held responsible for replacements or repairs. On the other hand, I think devices should have reasonable expectations - if the capability of the device relies on manufacturer sponsored centralized network hardware, there should be a reasonable minimum amount of time that you get usefulness. But also, if the connectivity of the device is central to the functionality, and improvements to functionality to all users require a common software level, then forced updates make a lot of sense. (As a software developer, the thought of "eternal support of infinite versions" sends a cold chill down my spine.) So if your non-internet Xbox activity is not affected, and doesn't require the update, then it's a reasonable push from Microsoft. If you want to keep up with the latest features and connecting to all other Xbox users that will have the updated software, you need it, too. (If they push it for offline games, which I believe Sony does in some cases, and maybe Microsoft does, that's a different matter!)
Finally, in the PC vs Mac vein, a friendly jibe... if your iPad is being bricked by updates, consider moving away from Apple ;) Maybe market forces are working better than you realize, but you still believe "Apple is best" and just assume that things are getting worse for other manufacturers, when it's just Apple that's going downhill lately!