One of the best new features of the second-generation Apple TV 4K is the redesigned Siri Remote. Fortunately, this remote works with older Apple TV devices as well. This means that you can buy the remote separately for $59 and give your old Apple TV a nice upgrade.
In this post, we’ll tell you what you need to know before you buy the new Siri Remote, including which Apple TV models it works with and what its key features are.
Which Apple TV Models Are Compatible With the New Siri Remote?
According to Apple, the new Siri Remote is compatible with the following Apple TV models:
- Apple TV 4K (second generation)
- Apple TV 4K (first generation)
- Apple TV HD
How to Pair the New Siri Remote With an Older Apple TV
To pair your new Siri Remote with your Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Make sure your Apple TV is powered on.
- Hold your remote three inches away from the Apple TV and point it at the device.
- Press and hold the Back Arrow and Volume Up buttons for two seconds.
- The Apple TV will start the pairing process, and it’ll show a message on screen when it's paired.
Sometimes, you may be asked to place the remote on top of the Apple TV while pairing, but the process is otherwise automatic. If your Apple TV isn’t detecting the remote, try charging the remote for a few minutes and try again.
Why You Should Buy the New Siri Remote
The new Siri Remote has been redesigned to address lots of issues with its predecessor. The Siri Remote now has dedicated buttons for power and mute. It also has a new “touch-enabled clickpad” that is more intuitive to use.
If you ever tried to create a theater-like experience at home by switching off the lights and enjoying movies on your Apple TV, there’s a good chance that you’d have found it hard to spot the old Apple TV remote at times. The new Siri Remote features a nice silver color with contrasting gray buttons, which makes this remote a lot easier to spot in the dark.
We’ve compared the second-generation Apple TV 4K with the first and concluded that for most people, it’s not worth upgrading to the new Apple TV 4K. The best feature of the new device is the new remote, and you can get that on Apple.com for a fraction of the price of the new Apple TV 4K.