A new Apple TV 4K releases this Friday with an upgraded Siri Remote, but its best feature requires a newer iPhone model. Precision Finding for the new Siri Remote requires iPhone 17 or newer. The most common problem with the current Siri Remote is that it is easy to lose.
If lost, Apple does not offer many options for finding it. However, the 4th generation Siri Remote introduces a built-in speaker that can be triggered from the Find My app. The remote works with any previous Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD model.
The main change with the latest Siri Remote is Precision Finding, similar to tracking a lost AirTag. It provides step-by-step guided directions to the lost remote. This feature relies on Bluetooth 6 support found in iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models, not iPhone 17e, iPhone Air, iPhone Duo, or iPhone 18 Pro models.
Without a compatible iPhone, users will still benefit from the built-in speaker to play a sound, but Precision Finding will not be available. The new Siri Remote is available for $59 on Amazon. The limitation may impact purchase decisions for users without the required iPhone model.
Source: 9to5Mac · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing