Apple’s long-awaited next-generation Apple TV 4K is on the way and will ship with an upgraded Siri Remote, according to findings from macOS 26.7 code reported by MacRumors.
While the code does not spell out the exact improvements to the remote, its presence strongly indicates a new Apple TV model is nearing release after years of speculation. The device is expected to be powered by an A17 Pro chip or a newer processor and is likely to be announced in September or October.
MacRumors notes that these software references are often reliable early signals of upcoming hardware. The new Apple TV would mark the first major refresh of the streaming box in some time, potentially arriving alongside other fall product announcements.
A Brief History of the Siri Remote
The Siri Remote has evolved through three generations since its debut, with each version addressing (or sometimes failing to address) user feedback.
• First-generation Siri Remote (2015, minor refresh in 2017)
Introduced with the fourth-generation Apple TV (later rebranded Apple TV HD) in October 2015, this slim black aluminum remote featured a large glass multi-touch trackpad covering the upper third of its face, Bluetooth 4.0, an infrared transmitter for TV volume control, and Lightning charging. A 2017 update that shipped with the first Apple TV 4K added a raised white ring around the Menu button to help with orientation and expanded motion-sensor data, while also dropping the standalone price to $59. General consensus reviews were largely negative. Critics and users frequently complained about the overly sensitive trackpad that caused accidental inputs, the perfectly symmetrical design that made it easy to pick up upside-down, the thin profile that disappeared into couch cushions, and accidental presses of the Siri button. While a minority appreciated its minimalism and gesture-based navigation, it was widely regarded as one of Apple’s most frustrating accessories.
• Second-generation Siri Remote (2021)
Launched in May 2021 alongside the second-generation Apple TV 4K, this was a full redesign. It became thicker, taller, and heavier with a curved silver aluminum body. The large trackpad was replaced by a circular click pad inspired by the classic iPod click wheel (supporting both physical clicks and touch gestures, including circular scrubbing for video), with improved button layout—including a side-mounted Siri button, dedicated power button, and mute. It upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 while retaining Lightning charging and IR. Reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Outlets such as Engadget, The Verge, Forbes, PCMag, and Macworld described it as a dramatic improvement—moving “from very bad to very best.” Reviewers praised the ergonomics, clearer orientation, more precise navigation, and overall usability. Many recommended existing Apple TV owners buy it separately for $59 even if they skipped the new hardware. Common criticisms were limited to the relatively high price for a remote and the continued lack of a Find My locator feature.
• Third-generation Siri Remote (2022)
Released in November 2022 with the third-generation Apple TV 4K, this model is essentially identical to the second generation except for the switch from Lightning to USB-C charging. Consensus reviews mirrored those of the 2021 version: it remained highly regarded for the same design and usability strengths, with the USB-C port viewed as a welcome modernization.
MacDailyNews Take: There is certainly plenty of room for improvement! Any upgrades in the forthcoming remote could build on the device’s trajectory, potentially refining ergonomics further, adding features such as improved battery life, better Find My support, or deeper Siri/Apple Intelligence integration.
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