Apple

A new report reiterates that Apple is working on a redesigned remote for the next Apple TV

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 30, 2021

A new report has now corroborated last year's Bloomberg story that claimed Apple would be releasing an updated Siri Remote alongside the company's next Apple TV set-top box model.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

The oft-criticized Apple TV remote is being redesigned. It could be called Apple TV Remote, not Siri Remote. Unclear if it'll work on older Apple TVs.

Overhauling the Siri Remote

Citing people familiar with Apple's plans, 9to5Mac has learned that the Siri Remote that ships with the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD is getting redesigned for the next model. An overhauled accessory reportedly sports a code-name that's different from the existing remote.

Details about this new Apple TV Remote are still unknown, but 9to5Mac’s sources have told us that this model is being developed under the code name 'B519,' which is quite different from the code name of the current Siri Remote — internally identified as 'B439.'

This has prompted the publication to speculate that the changes will be “significant” rather than cosmetic. “As the new Remote has an internal model number way above the current version, we believe the changes will be more significant,” reads the article.

A year ago, 9to5Mac discovered curious strings in the iOS 14 code indicating that the Cupertino tech giant could have a brand new remote for the Apple TV in the works.

Siri Remote to become Apple TV Remote

In fact, it would appear that Apple may also have a name change in store for the Siri Remote because iOS 14.5 code appears to reference “Apple TV Remote” rather than “Siri Remote,” which is what the company used to call the accessory in pre-tvOS days.

→ Tips for using the Siri Remote for Apple TV like a pro

Bloomberg reported last September that Apple was working on an upgraded remote control for the next Apple TV. The new remote will apparently support Apple's Find My app to make it easier to find in case it gets lost or misplaced. As for the Apple TV itself, the next update is widely expected to feature a faster processor with much better graphics for improved gaming.

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