Apple has updated the design of the virtual Apple TV Remote for the iOS 27 Release Candidate, released yesterday, adding two new features to the iPhone app's interface. First, a new button with a four-square glyph in the top-right corner opens an app menu similar to the Apple TV home screen, allowing quick app selection and launch. Second, dragging down from the top of the virtual trackpad reveals the Apple TV's top shelf carousel, showing watch-listed shows and recently started content for easy continuation.

Both features are currently hidden behind feature flags and were discovered by *MacRumors* and demonstrated on X (Twitter) by code sleuth 'pdfu'. The next-generation Apple TV 4K is expected to ship with an upgraded Siri Remote, possibly unveiled later this month or in October. Starting in iOS 27, the virtual Apple TV Remote can again be added to the iPhone's Home Screen via search, no longer limited to Control Center.

These updates enhance usability and hint at future Apple TV advancements.