Apple Remote App for iOS Now Works With New Apple TV Following tvOS 9.1 Update

appletvremoteappToday's tvOS 9.1 update for the fourth-generation Apple TV enables a feature that many have been missing - support for the Remote app on iOS devices and Apple Watch. Prior to today, the new Apple TV was not compatible with the Remote app that has long allowed iPhone and iPad users to control their second and third-generation Apple TVs with their iOS devices.

Apple likely skipped implementing Remote support for the new Apple TV initially because it includes a touch-based remote control that enables many of the same gestures, but users have expressed some disappointment that the app didn't work. The Remote app may mimic the touch-based interface of the physical Apple TV remote control, but it will be handy in a pinch should that remote become lost or misplaced.

Being able to use the Remote app will also remedy one of the most frustrating aspects of the new Apple TV -- text entry. Prior to today, it was necessary to use the swipe controls on the physical Apple TV remote with an on-screen keyboard to enter text. The Remote app will allow iPhone and iPad owners to use their devices to enter text much more quickly.

The Remote iOS app does not require updating to work with the fourth-generation Apple TV, but the set-top box does require tvOS 9.1 to be installed. Today's iOS 9.2 update is also not required and we have confirmed that the Remote app works with iOS devices running earlier versions of iOS 9.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Tag: Remote
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

mdelvecchio Avatar
120 months ago
So i normally do not call for some one head on a spike. I however must say we need the head of who ever thought it was ok to ship the apple tv with out the remote app workings head on a spike. I sold mine with in a day of ownership due to the text entry mess. I am now refusing to buy one just out of spite.
what mess? you just used the touch swiper. it accelerates as you swipe so you can get pretty speedy with it. not a big deal at all, and i was done with it after 5 minutes of set up. then i moved on with my life and enjoyed the device.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdelvecchio Avatar
120 months ago
does these mean all the haters who pretended to return theirs will pretend to buy them back? nah, of course not.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
penajmz Avatar
120 months ago
Yes! Yes! Yes!

Should've been here from day one but I'm happy is here now.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sziehr Avatar
120 months ago
So i normally do not call for some one head on a spike. I however must say we need the head of who ever thought it was ok to ship the apple tv with out the remote app workings head on a spike. I sold mine with in a day of ownership due to the text entry mess. I am now refusing to buy one just out of spite.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
120 months ago
Yes yes yes! Such a shame this wasn't ready at launch.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
expectdelay Avatar
120 months ago
So i normally do not call for some one head on a spike. I however must say we need the head of who ever thought it was ok to ship the apple tv with out the remote app workings head on a spike. I sold mine with in a day of ownership due to the text entry mess. I am now refusing to buy one just out of spite.
That's a fairly childish response ...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)