The main improvement of the new Apple TV isn’t the media player itself, but the remote that comes with it. These are the five major enhancements to the Apple TV Remote 2021.
Siri Remote 2021: a big step forward
During Apple’s April event, we also got to see a new generation of the Apple TV between the iPad Pro 2021, a brand new iMac and the AirTag. In terms of design, the Apple TV itself has not changed, but the remote control has been given a whole new look. These are the six most important things you should know about it.
1. No touchpad but a click area
Anyone who has used the Siri Remote knows how inaccurate the touchpad can sometimes be to scroll through tvOS. Apple has taken that criticism to heart: the new 2021 remote control has a ‘click area’ that you can tap and swipe on. If you are scrolling through a movie or episode, you can use the outer ring. That should make it easier to navigate tvOS quickly and efficiently.
2. New design is thicker and more robust
The previous Apple TV remote looked stylish, but it was very thin and fragile. That is why the new variant has become a bit thicker and more angular, making it more like a traditional remote control. With a bit of luck you will also lose it a little less quickly than the black housing of the previous model due to the silver appearance.
3. Physical off button and mute button
Apple has recognized that some extra physical buttons can sometimes be very useful. In addition to the click area, there is also room for six buttons on the front of the Remote. The physical power button is new and finally gives you the option to quickly turn the Apple TV on and off. The physical mute button lets you quickly mute the sound and the back button quickly returns you to the previous screen.
4. Siri button on the side
Because the remote control has become a bit thicker and more angular, there is also room on the side of the remote control for an elongated button. By pressing it you can activate Siri, after which the voice assistant listens to your command.
The Apple TV has supported the Dutch version of Siri for years, which makes it easy to rewind, for example, or to search for a specific movie without entering it manually.
5. Does not work with the Find My app and no U1 chip
One of the improvements that many had hoped for is unfortunately not available. The new remote doesn’t come with Apple’s U1 chip, which is a shame. With the chip you can find out the exact location of devices very accurately: ideal for a remote control that you often lose.
With the AirTag, Apple shows how useful this chip can be, so it is a missed opportunity that the new Remote does not have this skill.
6.2021 Siri Remote also available separately from April 30
Do you have an Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K? Then you can also order the 2021 Siri Remote separately. This is available for 65 euros in the Apple Store and via the Apple website. The new remote control can be pre-ordered from April 30. The first copies will be delivered in the second half of May. So wait a little longer.
More announcements at Apple event
Many more announcements were made during the Apple event. For example, Tim Cook’s company comes with a new iPad Pro and iMac, but also the brand new AirTag. Check all announcements via the links below, or read the concise Apple April event round-up.
Read more: Round-up: The 6 Announcements of Apple’s April Event