Published on March 30th, 2018 | by Kirk Hiner

Apple TV Remote app gets an update, too

On the heels of yesterday’s tvOS 11.3 release, Apple has updated their Apple TV Remote iOS app. The update comes only with bug fixes (like the four most recent updates before it). Considering the app’s rather dismal 2.2 rating in the App Store, however, it could likely use some more bug fixes.

That initial negativity aside, the Apple TV Remote app is actually a pretty handy resource for Apple TV owners. It uses your iPhone screen to recreate the Siri Remote interface so you won’t have to dig that out from between the sofa cushions each time you want to switch streams or play a game. More importantly, it’s smart enough to recognize when you’re typing and pulls up to a virtual keyboard for easier password/text entry than swiping on the Siri Remote; very handy when searching for shows to watch, entering a password, and so on.

In addition, the app allows you do the following right from your iPhone:

Navigate Apple TV with touch gestures
Ask Siri to find something to watch, listen to, or play
Control the movie, TV show, or song that’s currently playing
View song lyrics, change music tracks, and select movie chapters
Play games using the accelerometer and gyroscope
Turn on Game Mode for simplified game controls
Use volume buttons on your iOS device to control volume

If you’re not sold on its functionality, check out our 5 reasons the Apple TV Remote app is more useful than you think.

The Apple TV Remote app is available now for free in the App Store.

Tags: Apple, apple tv, apple tv remote app, siri remote

About the Author

Kirk Hiner has been writing for the Apple web since 1997, having served as editor of Applelinks and the Technology Tell Apple Channel. In addition to his work with BEST Apple TV, Kirk currently contributes to Mac Gamer HQ and Pure Nintendo. He lives with his wife and three children in small-town Ohio where the land is cheap and the air is (relatively) clean.