tvOS 14.5 beta code hints at redesigned Apple TV remote with center button

The latest tvOS 14.5 beta continues to corroborate rumors that Apple is working on a redesigned remote for its Apple TV set-top boxes.

Apple on Tuesday released the sixth beta build of its upcoming tvOS 14.5 update, and according to iOS developer Steve Moser, it contains code strings that suggest a new Apple TV remote may be on the way.

In the latest beta, there is reportedly set up code that asks a user to "Press the center button or the touch surface to continue." There is no center button on current Apple TV remotes.

More evidence of a new Apple TV remote in tvOS 15.4 beta 6? During setup it asks the user to "Press the center button or the touch surface to continue." There is no center button on the current Apple TV Siri Remote pic.twitter.com/sE0H9njpZl
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) March 31, 2021

In the fifth tvOS 14.5 beta, Apple removed mentions of the "Siri remote" and replaced them with "Apple TV Remote" across the operating system. Additionally, that beta contained references to a "gen3 Apple TV remote."

Apple is rumored to be working on a next-generation "Apple TV 6" device with a refreshed remote and other updates. The device could also sport a new chipset and feature a deeper focus on gaming.

8 Comments

oberpongo 188 comments · 19 Years

About 3 years ago

Sounds like a classic home button

elijahg 2842 comments · 18 Years

Maybe an iPod clickwheel style remote. Would be a lot more sensible for lists than repeatedly scrubbing down, which was a point Apple made when the iPod was introduced and other MP3 players had touch controls. You could even have the centre button touch-sensitive so it works as a touchpad as the remote does now. But for the love of god make it bigger, less fragile and less slippery.

JWSC 1203 comments · 7 Years

Is hell about to freeze over?

Beats 3073 comments · 4 Years

I would love 3D Touch on the remote.

elijahg said:

Maybe an iPod clickwheel style remote. Would be a lot more sensible for lists than repeatedly scrubbing down, which was a point Apple made when the iPod was introduced and other MP3 players had touch controls. You could even have the centre button touch-sensitive so it works as a touchpad as the remote does now. But for the love of god make it bigger, less fragile and less slippery.

The size is nice. It needs a speaker and Find My support. Maybe a U1 chip.

iPhone is also slippery there’s cases for that.

Edit:

I see the terrible “Apple TV” name creeped into the name. “Apple TV Remote” is so long and clunky. “Siri Remote” was a nice name. I think Apple needs to remove “TV” from some names. For example “Apple Channels”, and “Apple Remote”. “Apple TV+” is a mess of a name.

Beats said:

elijahg said:

Maybe an iPod clickwheel style remote. Would be a lot more sensible for lists than repeatedly scrubbing down, which was a point Apple made when the iPod was introduced and other MP3 players had touch controls. You could even have the centre button touch-sensitive so it works as a touchpad as the remote does now. But for the love of god make it bigger, less fragile and less slippery.

The size is nice.

Not sure that's the consensus here or elsewhere...