More supposed evidence of rumored next-generation Apple TV remote surfaces

A report on Monday adds to rumors claiming Apple intends to release a new Apple TV remote when it debuts an expected next-generation set-top streaming device.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, 9to5Mac claims Apple is working on a revamped Apple TV remote control referred to internally as "B519." The designation compares to the "B439" identifier given to the current Siri Remote.

Today's report offers nothing beyond Apple's supposed codename, but it does build on rumors regarding a redesigned remote that could launch alongside a refreshed Apple TV this year.

Last week, code discovered in the latest tvOS 14.5 beta release removes mention of Apple's "Siri Remote" and replaces the text string with "Apple TV Remote." References to the accessory have been updated across Apple's operating system.

Bloomberg first delivered word of a new remote control in a report last year. According to sources familiar with Apple's plans, the new device will be redesigned and include fresh functions like a location system similar to Find My on iOS.

27 Comments

mystigo 183 comments · 16 Years

About 3 years ago

The current AppleTV Remote is arguably the worst design they ever came up with. At least with the hockey puck mouse you could feel for the wire. In a dark room, if you are lucky enough to even find the remote you have a very low chance of doing what you were hoping to do. I have turned captions on by accident more times than I have hit the button I wanted the first time.

ITGUYINSD 547 comments · 5 Years

mystigo said:

The current AppleTV Remote is arguably the worst design they ever came up with. At least with the hockey puck mouse you could feel for the wire. In a dark room, if you are lucky enough to even find the remote you have a very low chance of doing what you were hoping to do. I have turned captions on by accident more times than I have hit the button I wanted the first time.

And Apple knew it. And still, after 5 1/2 years, we're still suffering with the crappy remote that everyone learns to hate.

The new one better have simple buttons to fast forward/rewind and a frigging MUTE BUTTON.

jeffzacharias 15 comments · 11 Years

If true, we going to miss the current remote. It’s by far the best remote we have ever used. It’s also the only remote we use to control our Apple TV, TV, and audio system. But, it’s Apple so I’m sure they will find a way to make it even better.

Japhey 1772 comments · 6 Years

ITGUYINSD said:

mystigo said:

The current AppleTV Remote is arguably the worst design they ever came up with. At least with the hockey puck mouse you could feel for the wire. In a dark room, if you are lucky enough to even find the remote you have a very low chance of doing what you were hoping to do. I have turned captions on by accident more times than I have hit the button I wanted the first time.

And Apple knew it. And still, after 5 1/2 years, we're still suffering with the crappy remote that everyone learns to hate.

The new one better have simple buttons to fast forward/rewind and a frigging MUTE BUTTON.

Thank you! The friggin mute button should have been there all along. How I long for one whenever I’m forced to listen to a Big Pharma or Jake from SFarm commercial 6 times in a row. Ugh!

Also, can we maybe get wireless charging while we’re at it?

chasm 3590 comments · 10 Years

I've not had much trouble with my Apple Remote (mine is the one with the white ring around the menu button), but I agree it is not a great design -- and I am TOTALLY on board with those who want a true MUTE button.