Testing Out a 3D-Printed AirTag-Compatible Apple TV Remote Case

[MacRumors]

Earlier this week, we shared a 3D-printed Apple TV Remote case that's designed to house an AirTag, adding much-needed Find My functionality to the Siri Remote. We thought we'd check out one of the remote cases in person, and have had one printed up.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

The Etsy seller who designed the case sells it for $12.99, but if you have your own 3D printer you can buy the STL file for $1.99 and whip up your own.

We bought the STL file, which actually had two different remote options inside. There's one that makes it easier to slide the remote in and out, and a second that's more of a snap-on case. We preferred the former because it's easy to remove the remote, but both work.

With both models, there's a spot where the AirTag attaches at the back, leaving the Apple logo visible, and then the remote snaps on top. There are cutouts available for charging purposes, and there were no issues with the fit. It all lined up and worked as advertised.

This case obviously adds some bulk to the Siri remote since it's thick enough to include an AirTag, but that's probably a plus if you're often losing the Apple TV remote.

With the AirTag attached to the remote, it can be tracked through the Items tab in the Find My app, and if you have an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 model, Precision Finding is useful for tracking the remote in the house. You can also play a sound, though it's worth noting that the case does muffle the pinging just a bit.

It's likely that given the attention that this 3D-printed case has received, we'll see more polished versions of Apple TV remote/AirTag hybrid holders coming from third-party manufacturers, but for now, the 3D-printed version works well.

This case is not compatible with the new remote that Apple released alongside the second-generation Apple TV 4K, but those who have an older Apple TV remote might want to check it out.

Article Link: Testing Out a 3D-Printed AirTag-Compatible Apple TV Remote Case

 

[citysnaps]

In a word, yuck!

 

[fwmireault]

I hope that Apple see this and realize how ridiculous it is to not have integrated Find My/U1 capabilities in the brand new remote that they announce at the same event than the AirTags

 

[Absrnd]

Why spend money, when there is the free option

AirTag+Siri Remote by paranoidsapien

Allows you to attach an AirTag to a Siri Remote. This is a different approach from my previous version (found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4847198).If you're looking for a similar design for the Siri Remote 2nd Gen, check out my other design here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4886529

www.thingiverse.com

 

[EatinPonies]

Why spend money, when there is the free option

AirTag+Siri Remote by paranoidsapien

Allows you to attach an AirTag to a Siri Remote. This is a different approach from my previous version (found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4847198).If you're looking for a similar design for the Siri Remote 2nd Gen, check out my other design here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4886529

www.thingiverse.com

I was wondering the same thing!

Also, I am thinking that the "snap on" design would work better with something like TPU, while the "sliding" design would be better with PLA or other hard plastic... Thoughts? Does TPU typically come out smoother? (I have only printed with PLA so far)

 

[prizm]

Uuuuuugly. And scratchy.

 

[PsykX]

Apple should just have integrated the U1 chip in the new remote. It's perhaps the product that needs it the most.
They're being cheap.

 

[355922]

who has time for this crap? Why is this necessary? I find it hard to believe people are losing their apple tv remotes and if they did, the iphone does all the same stuff.

 

[G5isAlive]

Yeah, having a remote that fat makes it harder to lose in the first place. Do people really wander the house with their remotes so that losing it is an issue? Me, I always know exactly where my remote is when I can't see it. It's buried under the couch in the hardest place to reach. Always.

Maybe instead of attaching am airtag to it, the secret is just make the remote holder much bigger. and give it a handle. and sure a chip if you really need to. No fancy 3D printer required, a glue guns work great. something like this.. patent pending.

 

[Takeo]

Or, you know, just stick it on with a 3M Command Strip. But ok. I guess maybe this is more fun if you're into 3D printing.

 

[andywaynebrooks]

who has time for this crap? Why is this necessary? I find it hard to believe people are losing their apple tv remotes and if they did, the iphone does all the same stuff.

Why is this necessary? for exactly the same reason apple makes air tags in the first place. LOL. iphone does all the same stuff? right... which does nothing to help a user if they misplaced their Apple TV remote...

 

[JMStearnsX2]

Considering how long it would take to 3d print that, I'm surprised that they're only charging less than $13 for it...

 

[Lemon Olive]

Apple should just have integrated the U1 chip in the new remote. It's perhaps the product that needs it the most.
They're being cheap.

They didn't even need to go that far. They could have just built in a speaker, and allow you to ping it. For a remote that is only lost within a few rooms of a house, that would have been more than enough to locate a missing remote.

 

[JoshuaBru]

Considering AirTags were ready to go by 2019, you’d think Apple would have taken the time between then and now to build a massively robust accessory market for launch

 

[EvilEvil]

Why does Apple make ugly cases for all their products?

 

[355922]

Why is this necessary? for exactly the same reason apple makes air tags in the first place. LOL. iphone does all the same stuff? right... which does nothing to help a user if they misplaced their Apple TV remote...

Yeah not convincing. I don’t see the need especially with how bulky it would make the remote. Who the hell is losing the remote anyways?

What’s next? Hopefully someone makes a airtag case for tooth brushes soon. Seems equally as important.

 

[bookcase]

I personally find this sort of ridiculous. If I "lose" my Siri Remote, it's inevitably between the couch cushions, or if I leave it on my lap and it gets knocked to the floor. It would take more time to try to track it than it would be to lift your cushions. If you carry it around the house or keep it in a place toddlers can access, then a free alternative to this would be: stop doing it. But that's just me.

 

[2540497]

Earlier this week, we shared a 3D-printed Apple TV Remote case that's designed to house an AirTag, adding much-needed Find My functionality to the Siri Remote. We thought we'd check out one of the remote cases in person, and have had one printed up.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

The Etsy seller who designed the case sells it for $12.99, but if you have your own 3D printer you can buy the STL file for $1.99 and whip up your own.

We bought the STL file, which actually had two different remote options inside. There's one that makes it easier to slide the remote in and out, and a second that's more of a snap-on case. We preferred the former because it's easy to remove the remote, but both work.

With both models, there's a spot where the AirTag attaches at the back, leaving the Apple logo visible, and then the remote snaps on top. There are cutouts available for charging purposes, and there were no issues with the fit. It all lined up and worked as advertised.

This case obviously adds some bulk to the Siri remote since it's thick enough to include an AirTag, but that's probably a plus if you're often losing the Apple TV remote.

With the AirTag attached to the remote, it can be tracked through the Items tab in the Find My app, and if you have an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 model, Precision Finding is useful for tracking the remote in the house. You can also play a sound, though it's worth noting that the case does muffle the pinging just a bit.

It's likely that given the attention that this 3D-printed case has received, we'll see more polished versions of Apple TV remote/AirTag hybrid holders coming from third-party manufacturers, but for now, the 3D-printed version works well.

This case is not compatible with the new remote that Apple released alongside the second-generation Apple TV 4K, but those who have an older Apple TV remote might want to check it out.

Article Link: Testing Out a 3D-Printed AirTag-Compatible Apple TV Remote Case

It's absolutely unforgivable Apple didn't put Find My functionality into their new remote, especially considering they announced both new products together. Really, really bad form.

 

[1258186]

This seems like overkill for a non issue. I lost my remote - oh look it’s fallen on the floor or down the side of the sofa. Took me two seconds to find it again.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

They didn't even need to go that far. They could have just built in a speaker, and allow you to ping it. For a remote that is only lost within a few rooms of a house, that would have been more than enough to locate a missing remote.

This. The whole U1 setup is not necessary. Just make it able to play an audio tone. Problem solved.

 

[x-evil-x]

I’m happy Ive never been one to misplace remotes. They have a dedicated place and my habit got used to it. This this is hideous and takes away from the feel of the remote. nothing like a hard piece of plastic to cover up aluminum and glass.
spending 30$ on an AirTag for a remote seems ridiculous to me but I guess most people do lose their remotes daily? Just like their keys? Also, have a dedicated place for my keys so don’t need one for that either.

 

[sharpimage]

Articles like this really illustrate that AirTags are a solution looking for a problem.

 

[carrrrrlos]

You’re watching TV wrong.

 

[thadoggfather]

How often are people not able to find their remote?

I place it on my bed stand or it’s a foot from me in bed

the bigger problem solved with the new remote is not being able to tell up from down

should’ve added a bulge to the back too but I guess you can feel the AirTag metal

 

[x-evil-x]

How often are people not able to find their remote?

I place it on my bed stand or it’s a foot from me in bed

the bigger problem solved with the new remote is not being able to tell up from down

should’ve added a bulge to the back too but I guess you can feel the AirTag metal

the new remote has the Siri button on the right side like iPhones now.
The black appletv remote added a ring on the left home that make it easy to feel if its right side up. also the volume bottom is long and one big button always on the right side. Takes a bit of learning but its easy to get used to feeling which side is correct without looking.