Apple Remote App for iOS Now Works With New Apple TV Following tvOS 9.1 Update

[MacRumors]

Today's tvOS 9.1 update for the fourth-generation Apple TV enables a feature that many have been missing - support for the Remote app on iOS devices and Apple Watch. Prior to today, the new Apple TV was not compatible with the Remote app that has long allowed iPhone and iPad users to control their second and third-generation Apple TVs with their iOS devices.

Apple likely skipped implementing Remote support for the new Apple TV initially because it includes a touch-based remote control that enables many of the same gestures, but users have expressed some disappointment that the app didn't work. The Remote app may mimic the touch-based interface of the physical Apple TV remote control, but it will be handy in a pinch should that remote become lost or misplaced.

Being able to use the Remote app will also remedy one of the most frustrating aspects of the new Apple TV -- text entry. Prior to today, it was necessary to use the swipe controls on the physical Apple TV remote with an on-screen keyboard to enter text. The Remote app will allow iPhone and iPad owners to use their devices to enter text much more quickly.

The Remote iOS app does not require updating to work with the fourth-generation Apple TV, but the set-top box does require tvOS 9.1 to be installed. Today's iOS 9.2 update is also not required and we have confirmed that the Remote app works with iOS devices running earlier versions of iOS 9.

Article Link: Apple Remote App for iOS Now Works With New Apple TV Following tvOS 9.1 Update

 

[penajmz]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Should've been here from day one but I'm happy is here now.

 

[zakarhino]

Well I guess this makes up for the embarrassment that is the Smart Battery Case.

 

[Nunyabinez]

Finally I can enter data without straining my thumb with the ridiculous one line of text.

 

[Zoboomafoo]

Yassssss.

 

[ThinkDifferent.]

Ground breaking.

 

[akahumbu]

What about Bluetooth keyboard support?

 

[havenyoung]

Finally! I was just complaining about this to Apple TV feedback the other day. We might see the Remote app rating going back up now.

 

[smithyis]

Awesome, now just needs the app updating to support Apple Music in iTunes.... come on Apple

 

[Michael Scrip]

This will make lots of Apple TV4 users happy!

I was getting kinda sick of hearing about no remote app and the horrible text entry with one line of letters.

 

[FierceCorgi]

With this and the Apple Music Siri support, the two issues I was waiting to be fixed...are fixed.

 

[sziehr]

So i normally do not call for some one head on a spike. I however must say we need the head of who ever thought it was ok to ship the apple tv with out the remote app workings head on a spike. I sold mine with in a day of ownership due to the text entry mess. I am now refusing to buy one just out of spite.

 

[cardsdoc]

Hooray!

 

[madKIR]

I feel like the whole thing was a cover-up to make people buy the $70 remote in case they lose the original one! If you don't play games and lose it, it's not so crucial with the app.

 

[Adithya007]

I still prefer the Mechanical remote over this app and the new touch-sensitive remote.

 

[madsci954]

I told myself I won't buy the new Apple TV until Remote app support came back. That day is here, so I'll probably pick one up.

 

[autrefois]

Well I guess this makes up for the embarrassment that is the Smart Battery Case.

Maybe both of these show that Apple is at least trying to respond to common user complaints.

• Not enough battery life on iPhone 6S, we'll release a battery pack
• Text entry too hard on the AppleTV, we'll let people use the Remote App with it

If that's the case, although neither of these are ideal solutions maybe they're moving in the right direction.

 

[critter13]

so much for all those "not gonna happen rumors"

 

[mdelvecchio]

does these mean all the haters who pretended to return theirs will pretend to buy them back? nah, of course not.

 

[BornAgainMac]

What about Bluetooth keyboard support?

As a workaround, you can use a bluetooth keyboard with another iOS device that has the Remote App installed.

 

[Phil A.]

Well I guess this makes up for the embarrassment that is the Smart Battery Case.

I think it will take more than an updated remote app to erase the sight of that monstrosity from my mind!

 

[foxcub6]

With this and the Apple Music Siri support, the two issues I was waiting to be fixed...are fixed.

Can you confirm Siri now works with Apple Music also what about photos can Siri find a photo in Corfu I took for example as its on my apple I cloud

 

[mdelvecchio]

So i normally do not call for some one head on a spike. I however must say we need the head of who ever thought it was ok to ship the apple tv with out the remote app workings head on a spike. I sold mine with in a day of ownership due to the text entry mess. I am now refusing to buy one just out of spite.

what mess? you just used the touch swiper. it accelerates as you swipe so you can get pretty speedy with it. not a big deal at all, and i was done with it after 5 minutes of set up. then i moved on with my life and enjoyed the device.

 

[cariacou]

Best news of 2015

 

[Rogifan]

Yes yes yes! Such a shame this wasn't ready at launch.