1st vs 2nd gen Siri Remote for Apple TV - Difference and Comparison

calendarFeb 4, 2023 · 6 min read  ·
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In the spring of 2021, Apple released a new Siri remote for Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), which is also compatible with Apple TV 4K (1st generation) as well as Apple TV HD. There are a few problems with the first generation Siri remote, which this new remote fixes. So for those who can afford its $59 purchase price, the new Siri remote is worth it.

Comparison chart

Differences — Similarities —

Apple TV Remote (1st Generation) versus Apple TV Remote (2nd Generation) comparison chart
Edit this comparison chartApple TV Remote (1st Generation)Apple TV Remote (2nd Generation)
  • current rating is 3.6/5
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(5 ratings)
  • current rating is 4.43/5
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AppearanceBlack aluminum casing and glass Touch surfaceAluminum silver casing with a clickpad
ConnectivityBluetooth 4.0 and IR transmitterBluetooth 5.0 and IR transmitter
BatteryRechargeable internal battery (not user replaceable)Rechargeable internal battery (not user replaceable)
Charging portLightning port (same as iPhones)Lightning port (same as iPhones)
CompatibilityApple TV 4K (1st generation) and Apple TV HDApple TV 4K (1st and 2nd generation) and Apple TV HD
Ships withThe 1st generation Apple TV remote ships free with Apple TV 4K (1st generation)The 1st generation Apple TV remote ships free with Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
Power buttonNoYes
Mute buttonNoYes
Siri voice control buttonYes, on the remote with all the other buttonsYes, on the side of the remote
Menu buttonYes, performs the function of the Back button in most appsNo, replaced by a Back button
Back buttonNoYes
Clickpad ringNoYes
PriceFree with Apple TV 4K (1st generation). No longer sold separately.Free with Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). $59 when sold separately.

Problems with the first generation Siri remote

The 1st generation Siri remote for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K magnifyThe 1st generation Siri remote for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.

There were a few usability issues with the first generation Siri remote:

  • It was perfectly symmetrical, so it was hard to know without looking which end was up. People often accidentally hit the Siri button.
  • There was no way to easily fast-forward or rewind a few seconds. You could pause the video and use the scroll bar to but this does not give you fine-grained control.
  • The Menu button was ambiguous. It worked as a Back button in most apps but was not consistent.
  • The trackpad or touch surface of the remote is overly sensitive; it is easy to graze and can pause what you are watching.

    • Advantages of the second generation Siri remote

    2nd generation Siri remote for Apple TV magnify2nd generation Siri remote for Apple TV

    The 2nd generation Siri remote for Apple TV is really the only remote you need. You can chuck away your other remotes like the Roku or TV remote.

  • The clickpad ring on the second generation remote makes navigation a lot easier.
  • The Mute button on the remote is very handy.
  • It is less likely to be lost in couch cushions. It is easier to find compared to the tiny black first generation remote that tended to become easily hidden in couches and recliner crevices.

    • The new remote is a little heavier, bigger and colder, though. So some people may not like it. But for most people it is clearly the better choice.

    Should I splurge on a standalone remote?

    If you have an older Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, should you go out and buy the new second generation Siri Remote? If you can afford to, and if you pretty much use Apple TV rather than Roku or Fire TV, then yes, the second generation Siri remote is worth buying (check Amazon deal). The new remote makes it easier to navigate and use your Apple TV.

    Navigation Differences

    The 1st generation generation Siri remote only has a touch surface, which responds to both taps and swipes. The 2nd generation remote has both a clickpad, which responds to touch/swipes, as well as a clickpad ring that you can press or click.

    Navigating the Apple TV with the second generation Siri Remote

    • To move around on Apple TV: Press up, down, left, or right on the clickpad ring; or swipe up, down, left, or right on the clickpad.
    • To select an app or item: Press the clickpad center.
    • To scroll through lists of options and indexes: Press and hold up or down on the clickpad ring; or swipe up or down on the clickpad a few times to scroll quickly.
    • Go to the previous screen: Press the Back button (<)
    • Go to the home screen: Press and hold the Back (<) button
    • Rewind or fast-forward:
      • For 10-second rewind or fast-foward: Press left or right on the clickpad ring to rewind or fast-forward respectively.
      • Continuously rewind or fast-forward: Press and hold left or right on the clickpad ring
      • Get 2x, 3x, 4x speed options for rewind and fast-forward: Press left or right repeatedly to cycle through rewind or fast-forward speed options.
      • Press the Play/Pause button to resume playback.
    • Scrub video forward or backward: First, pause the video by pressing the Play/Pause button or clicking on the center of the clickpad. A preview thumbnail will appear above the playback timeline at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left or right to scrub backward or forward in time. For more precise control, rest your finger on the outer edge of the clickpad ring until a ring icon appears onscreen, then circle your finger counterclockwise or clockwise around the clickpad ring. To start playback at the new position, press the clickpad center again. To cancel and resume at the original position, press the Back (<) button.
    • To turn on subtitles: Click the down button on the clickpad ring or swipe down on the clickpad. An information pane will appear at the top of the screen. Navigate via swipe gestures on the touch surface and select by clicking at the center of the touch surface.

    Navigating with the first generation Siri Remote

    • To move around on Apple TV: Tap or swipe up, down, left, or right on the touch surface.
    • To select an app or item: Press the touch surface.
    • To scroll through lists of options and indexes: Swipe up or down a few times on the touch surface to scroll quickly.
    • Go to the previous screen: Press the Menu button
    • Go to the home screen: Press and hold the Menu button
    • Rewind or fast-forward:
      • For 10-second rewind or fast-foward: This is hard to discover on the first generation Siri remote but it's possible by pressing left or right on the touch surface.
      • Continuously rewind or fast-forward: Press and hold left or right on the touch surface
      • Get 2x, 3x, 4x speed options for rewind and fast-forward: Press left or right on the touch surface repeatedly.
      • Press the Play/Pause button to resume playback.
    • Scrub video forward or backward: First, pause the video by pressing the Play/Pause button. A preview thumbnail will appear above the playback timeline at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left or right to scrub backward or forward in time. To start playback at the new position, click the touch surface again. To cancel and resume at the original position, press the Menu button.
    • To turn on subtitles: Swipe down on the touch surface. An information pane will appear at the top. Navigate via swipe gestures on the touch surface and select by clicking at the center of the touch surface.

    References

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