Apple TV Remote Gets Easier Access in iOS 17
iOS 17 restores direct Home screen access to the Apple TV remote app, a feature previously relegated to Control Center or requiring Shortcuts. This update, available in developer beta, aims to improve discoverability and ease of use for iPhone and iPad users controlling their Apple TVs.
Key points
- iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 allow users to add the Apple TV remote as a dedicated app icon to their Home screen.
- This functionality was previously available as a dedicated app, then moved to Control Center, and required a Shortcut for Home screen access since 2020.
- Users can find and drag the 'Remote' icon to their Home screen or access it via the App Library.
- The update aims to make the Apple TV remote more discoverable and simpler to access on iPhones and iPads.
- iOS 17 is currently in developer beta, with public betas in July and a public release this fall.
Apple's upcoming iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems will reintroduce a more convenient way for users to access their Apple TV remote functionality. The update will allow the virtual Apple TV remote to be added directly to the Home screen of iPhones and iPads.
This change marks a return to a previous iteration of the remote's integration. For years, users could access the remote via a dedicated App Store application. However, this was later replaced by a built-in tile within the Control Center. Since 2020, achieving Home screen access typically involved creating a custom Shortcut.
The new iOS 17 functionality simplifies this by allowing users to search for the 'Remote' icon and drag it to their Home screen, or locate it within the App Library. This enhancement is expected to improve the discoverability and accessibility of the Apple TV remote for those who frequently use their Apple devices to control their televisions. iOS 17 is currently available in developer beta, with public beta versions slated for release in July, followed by a general release in the autumn.
Sources
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