First generation: October 30, 2015 (2015-10-30) (original) September 12, 2017 (2017-09-12) (2017 revision) Second generation: May 21, 2021 (2021-05-21) Third generation: November 4, 2022 (2022-11-04)
Introductory price
First generation: US$79[1] Second and third generation: US$59
The Siri Remote (known as the Apple TV Remote in regions where Siri is not supported)[3] is a remote control released by Apple with the Siri-capable fourth generation and later Apple TV. It replaced the Apple Remote.
Models
First generation
The first generation Siri Remote is visually distinguished by a trackpad covering the upper third of its face. The multi-touch surface allows for clicking, swiping in any of four directions for navigation, and tilting the trackpad button in any direction to "tilt" buttons in the interface. The Siri Remote is equipped with dual microphones for spoken input for Siri and text entry. In addition to controlling the Apple TV itself, the Siri Remote can learn the IR codes to control the volume of a TV, sound bar, or receiver.
On September 12, 2017, along with the announcement of the Apple TV 4K, Apple announced an updated Siri Remote with a raised white border around the menu button and additional motion input for apps. Additionally, the price was reduced to $59.[4]
Second generation
On April 20, 2021 Apple announced a redesigned second generation Siri Remote in conjunction with an updated Apple TV 4K.[5] The new remote is thicker with a curved back, changes the trackpad to a circular touch-enabled click pad reminiscent to the iPod click wheel, replaces the menu button with a back button, adds television power and mute buttons, and moves the Siri button to the upper right-side edge. The remote does not include an accelerometer and gyroscope, which were present in the previous Siri Remote, making it incompatible with some games.[6] It is backwards compatible with previous tvOS-based Apple TVs and ships with an updated SKU of the Apple TV HD.[7]
Third generation
On October 18, 2022, Apple announced an updated third generation Siri Remote to ship with the Apple TV 4K (third generation) that includes a USB-C port for charging, replacing Lightning, and is otherwise identical to the second generation remote.[8]
The first generation Siri Remote's usability has been controversial, with users reporting difficulty navigating using the trackpad.[9] In late 2019, the Swiss telecom provider Salt, which uses the Apple TV 4K as the set-top box for its IPTV offerings, introduced its own replacement IR remote control using traditional buttons. It was sold as an optional accessory for about CHF 20.[10][11] It has since become available under numerous other brand names.
Since then, another alternative remote control from Universal Electronics has been released for distribution through telecom providers.[12] This model includes a microphone for Siri, connects using Bluetooth, and has been distributed by numerous TV providers, including Salt,[13]Telekom Deutschland,[14][15] and Spectrum.[16] It is also sold at retail under Universal Electronics’ One For All brand.[17]
