Apple Siri Remote (2nd Generation) Review
Apple’s Siri Remote has been a mainstay of Apple TV experiences for years, allowing users to navigate the service with intuitive touch gestures and voice control. In 2021, Apple unveiled the second-generation Siri Remote—an updated device that brought significant improvements for Apple TV users. Let’s take a closer look at how the new remote stacks up to its predecessor.
Design and Build
The first thing you’ll notice is the revamped design of the Siri Remote. Gone is the all-black aluminum frame; instead, the 2nd generation remote boasts a sleek silver aluminum body that feels more comfortable in the hand. The spartan touch surface of the old remote has been replaced with a larger, circular clickpad that introduces greater precision and tactile feedback. Its raised buttons make it easier to identify controls by touch.
Buttons and Controls
One of the most significant changes to the Siri Remote is the addition of dedicated buttons for navigation and key features. There’s now a proper power button that can turn your TV on and off and a mute button for quick audio control. Removing confusion, Apple has made the play/pause button more prominent.
The “Back”, “TV” (which takes you to Apple TV’s home screen), and volume buttons are still present. But now, there’s also a new jog wheel feature that enables users to scroll through content or rewind/fast-forward with ease—bringing back familiar physical controls from traditional remotes.
Voice Control
Siri still remains one of the most important aspects of this remote. The second-generation Siri Remote maintains its voice control prowess: simply press and hold the dedicated Siri button on the remote’s side to call upon your trusty virtual assistant for searches, content recommendations, or even smart home device management.
Compatibility
The new Siri Remote is designed to work with both older 4th generation Apple TV HD models and current Apple TV 4K models. That means even if you’re not upgrading to the latest Apple TV 4K, you can still reap the benefits of the new remote.
Battery Life
Apple claims that the second-generation Siri Remote should last for months on a single charge. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged using the included Lightning-to-USB cable. The remote also features automatic sleep functionality when not in use to conserve power.
Final Verdict
The second-generation Apple Siri Remote brings several important improvements to usability and control, which were long-overdue updates to the original remote. With its new design, dedicated buttons, touch-sensitive clickpad, and voice control capabilities, the updated Siri Remote provides an enhanced user experience for Apple TV enthusiasts.
Although it’s slightly more expensive than its predecessor, those who have been unsatisfied with the first-generation Siri Remote will likely find that its improvements are well worth the investment. If you were planning on upgrading your entire Apple TV setup, this device is definitely an integral part of that experience. But even if you just want a better remote control experience on your current Apple TV HD or 4K model, this new generation of Siri Remote is undoubtedly a worthy upgrade.