New Siri Remote touch behavior inconsistent, cause unknown

The new Siri Remote for the Apple TV 4K is causing problems for some users, with the new circular gesture periodically not scrubbing through media as advertised.

The update to the Apple TV introduced a new design of Siri Remote that uses a circular trackpad, as well as a new gesture that turns the trackpad into a large scroll wheel. By using a circular motion around the edge of the trackpad, users can scrub forward and back through content.

However, posts to Twitter and Reddit show users trying out the gesture but getting unexpected results. Even using the tap and hold method, waiting for the proper user interface affirmation of the gesture, one complete circuit of the trackpad scrubs through a video timeline in one direction, then returns it back to where it was previously.

Anyone else having weird scrolling behavior with the new #AppleTV4K and Siri Remote? When I try to scroll on the new clickwheel it keeps scrolling back and forth. Happens on several apps like #DisneyPlus and #Netflix apps. Did you also see this during your review @Andrew_OSU ? pic.twitter.com/VfIOzQNuOP
— David Kurz Durchhalten (@kurze_info) May 23, 2021

In testing, AppleInsider encountered the same issue with the Siri Remote. The problem isn't limited to one specific app, with it affecting all video apps in the same way.

AppleInsider also found the remote to be inconsistent when trying to invoke the jogging behavior in the first place.

If this is a system-wide bug, it is likely Apple will have some form of fix for the issue as part of a future tvOS update.

Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.