New Siri Remote Doesn't Have U1 Chip and Won't Work With Find My

[MacRumors]

The newly redesigned Siri Remote, which will be sold alongside the updated Apple TV 4K and is also available on a standalone basis, does not have a built-in U1 chip and does not appear to be compatible with the Find My app.

There is no U1 ultra wideband chip listed in the specs for the Siri Remote, nor is there a mention of the Find My app, and now Apple has confirmed to The Verge that it's not an oversight -- the remote does not have a U1 chip.

Ahead of the launch of the new 4K Apple TV there were rumors that the Siri Remote would have a Find My-like feature for locating it when it's lost inside the house, but that feature does not appear to have been implemented. If Find My were available for the remote in some capacity, Apple undoubtedly would have mentioned it as a feature.

Apple is perhaps expecting Apple TV users to add an AirTag to the back of the Siri Remote, which would allow it to be tracked via the Find My app.

It also appears that the 2021 iPad Pro models are lacking a U1 chip as well, though the new Apple TV does indeed have U1 support. U1 devices now include the iPhone 11 models, iPhone 12 models, new Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini.

While no Find My capabilities are available for the second-generation Siri Remote, it does feature a revamped design with a touch-enabled clickpad.

Article Link: New Siri Remote Doesn't Have U1 Chip and Won't Work With Find My

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

Looks like I'm using an Airtag.

 

[farewelwilliams]

well duh, they want you to buy AirTags to tape it on /s

 

[GizmoDVD]

Weird exclusion, but eh.

 

[tranceking26]

That's strange, after the Airtags announcement and seeing how TV remotes are one of the most commonly lost items

 

[Adithya007]

Apple is perhaps expecting ‌Apple TV‌ users to add an AirTag to the back of the ‌Siri‌ Remote, which would allow it to be tracked via the ‌Find My‌ app.

HOW MUCH MORE MONEY CAN THEY SWALLOW?

 

[dwaltwhit]

Sounds like there will be remote cases with airtag slot in 3...2...1...

 

[Geardo_Ranger]

I kind of think of that as a missed opportunity in my mind LOL

 

[Macintosh IIvx]

How frequently do people lose their remotes and keys? Honestly I've never been unable to find my remote for more than about 10 seconds. It'd take longer to launch an app than the couple seconds to check around the couch, there it always is.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'm sure many will make excuses for Apple, but there is none here.

This is sloppy and not acceptable.

You design and release a new remote - a device that is frequently "lost" around the house - and don't absolutely include it in the U1 "locate me" plans?

I'm sorry - just terrible on Apple's part.

 

[macduke]

I thought for sure it would have this. Apple usually thinks through everything, and this seems obvious when they kept it so thin that it will get lost constantly. I’ve got mine in a silicon case that makes it thicker and easier to grip and I still lose it the most out of everything I own.

 

[fwmireault]

Do someone knows if the new iPad Pro have the U1 chip ?

 

[hot-gril]

Wait, do people seriously need a tracking capability for a remote?

 

[Anarchy99]

this is how they sell a 2021 model now and a 202X(3?) one later

 

[cmaier]

Oh, for ****s sake

 

[techno-Zen]

Looks like I'm using an Airtag.

LOL. Will buy Spigen's case with built in airtag holder that i'm sure will be released.

 

[Kylo83]

Your not gonna loose your Apple TV are you but your iPad you might what is apple thinking

 

[Premium1]

$60 for a remote? Lol...

 

[techno-Zen]

Wait, do people seriously need a tracking capability for a remote?

I just need the damn thing to ping with sound and yes find it. I have a toddler and a hungry couch.

 

[InGen]

I think the idea here is that the Airtags are a little more serious than for things you are likely to only ever to lose within the same room. The overall scale of the Find My network is large and something Apple likely worked on a lot, and so instead of reducing it to a remote-finding gimmick Apple might be redirecting attention to its larger purpose and application.

 

[sirdir]

Too bad. The remote and the pencil both need the U1. I have lost my 2nd gen pencil in my home and haven't been able to find it in about a year. And I've looked…

 

[turbineseaplane]

$60 for a remote? Lol...

I'll be buying a few, but only because I already have ATV4k's that aren't going anywhere.

But Apple still has totally lost the plot with the pricing here.

All "normal" people will look at just getting any other device to stream, for the price of just the REMOTE here.... or just use the built in streaming apps in their TV.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Odd omission. Of any Apple device, that’s the one that’s most often misplaced in our household.
And sticking an AirTag on the back will yield a similar wobble the camera bump creates for the iPhone. Oh well... I’m sure there will be a remote update by year’s end.

 

[Geardo_Ranger]

How frequently do people lose their remotes and keys? Honestly I've never been unable to find my remote for more than about 10 seconds. It'd take longer to launch an app than the couple seconds to check around the couch, there it always is.

I still have a remote in my house I still cannot find. I would love for it to at least beep or play a sound for me so I could find it.

 

[miketcool]

How frequently do people lose their remotes and keys? Honestly I've never been unable to find my remote for more than about 10 seconds. It'd take longer to launch an app than the couple seconds to check around the couch, there it always is.

Every time I couldn’t find my remote, I happily used my iPhone. Having it trackable this way seems like a waste of resources. Why drive up the cost with FCC and frequency testing? Why add complexity to a very basic and rarely lost piece of equipment? Do you really need AR to help you know to look in the couch?