Amid rumors that Apple is working on a new remote control device for the next-gen Apple TV hardware, the tvOS 14.5 beta that was released this morning includes a code change that references an Apple TV remote control that features a “Center Button,” which the current Apple TV Siri Remote does not sport.
“Press the center button or the touch surface to continue,” reads the tvOS 14.5 code, which was discovered by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser.
https://twitter.com/markgurman/status/1377359498549948416
The remote for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models features a series of buttons that are arranged in two rows, with no button in the center.
There is an older “Apple Remote” with a center button that’s designed for the second and third-generation Apple TV models and is compatible with the current Apple TV models, so it’s possible that’s what the code change is referencing, but it could also be referring to a new unreleased Apple TV remote.
MacDailyNews Take: Hopefully, it’s referencing a new Apple TV Remote to replace the rather widely unloved Siri Remote, not this matte silver bad boy:
how about a perfectly round remote, with a button in the middle?
Oh wait, Jony Ive is gone now, we’re not likely to get that.
Looking at that picture, I actually think the old remote is better than the latest one.
If the old remote had volume control it would be the perfect remote.
I actually dont have any problems or issues with the latest remote – I have never picked it up/ held it upside down – the raised menu button helps but even before that I haven’t had an issue.
My mother on the other hand has real difficulties (I bought her a 4K Apple TV for Christmas) – so I can appreciate that its not to everyone’s liking.
But failing that people could just use the remote app available on the iphone/ iPad
Center Button? Old-school iPods have a button at the center of a “click wheel.” Simple, smooth, and continuous scrolling (variable acceleration) through long lists. Touch-based in a more limited way. Click center button to Select. Click on defined points along wheel for Menu, Next/Previous, Volume, and other specific functions. I’ve missed using this great intuitive interface; it’d be excellent for tv.