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

By Mike Peterson

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.

Credit: AppleInsider

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.

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.