The 2021 Apple TV Siri Remote Almost Had a Finger Rest - MacRumors
Skip to Content

The 2021 Apple TV Siri Remote Almost Had a Finger Rest

Apple's 2021 Siri Remote that was released alongside the second-generation Apple TV 4K originally had a different design, according to filings that Apple submitted to the FCC ahead of the device's launch. In the images, there is shallow oval-shaped divot at the rear of the remote, which may have been intended as a finger rest to improve grip.

siri remote 2
The finger rest would have been above the Apple logo on the ‌Siri‌ Remote, but Apple eliminated this design element before introducing the accessory. The version that launched has a smooth back with no finger rest cutout at all.


There are also some other small design differences, including a different design for the IR sensor at the top of the remote and some slight changes to the icons on the buttons. It is not clear why Apple decided to eliminate the divot at the back of the remote, but removing it must have been a last minute design decision.

siri remote 3
The updated ‌Siri‌ Remote is a marked improvement over the original ‌Siri‌ Remote, featuring a larger aluminum body and a touch-enabled clickpad with gesture support instead of a smooth touch surface. There is a dedicated power button that was a welcome change, as well as a ‌Siri‌ button on the side of the device.

siri remote 4
Multiple rumors indicated that Apple could add Find My to the ‌Siri‌ Remote, but that also did not happen and there is no sign that it was an intended feature in the FCC filing.

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

Popular Stories

Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....
Where is the New Apple TV Feature

Next Apple TV's Chip Revealed in Latest Leak

Tuesday September 8, 2026 10:19 am PDT by
The next Apple TV 4K will be equipped with an A19 or A19 Pro chip, according to evidence in Apple's code uncovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. In particular, the device's model identifier points towards the A19 generation of chips. Accordingly, the next Apple TV would have 8GB or 12GB of RAM, up from 4GB in the current 2022 model with the A15 Bionic chip. Other rumored upgrades for...
iOS 27 Feature Cool

Apple Releases New iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and tvOS 27 Public Betas

Monday August 31, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
Apple today released the sixth public betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, allowing anyone with a compatible device to download and test the new software. The sixth betas come a week after Apple seeded the fifth betas and a few hours after the eighth developer betas. You can get started by signing up on Apple's beta website and then opting in to the public beta by...

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
52 months ago
Apple needs to make space for AirTags. It gets tiring losing the remote around the house.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
52 months ago
Sometimes I have to remind myself that not all rumors are of equal worth...
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thadoggfather Avatar
52 months ago

That finger rest would have helped so much in avoiding the remote from slipping off our hands like a bar of butter.
Got one of these for $5 on eBay. No regrets.

Attachment Image
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
52 months ago
That finger rest would have helped so much in avoiding the remote from slipping off our hands like a bar of butter.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
52 months ago
I like the new Apple TV remote without a notch. :D
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rhodes187 Avatar
52 months ago
The fact that Apple revealed with this new Apple remote and Air Tags at the same event yet never thought (or bothered more likely) to integrate air tag functionality is horrendous.
Unveiling:
"Hey we redesigned the Apple Remote chunkier, making one of the biggest (if not the biggest) remote complaints of these getting easily lost less prone to happen"
"Next, look air tags, they can be used to pin point exactly where they are, making items super easy to locate via the app or an audible sound"

Everyone:
Cool so the easy to lose and often complained about pain in the a** remote that keeps falling in couch cushions etc must have this air tag tech baked in??

Apple:
Nope
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)