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.
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.
Interesting… 2021 Siri Remote submitted to the FCC had an indent on the back, presumably for resting your finger. Wonder why this didn’t make it to the final model pic.twitter.com/fFnQv85zy6
— Michael Burkhardt (@tme_michael) October 1, 2022
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.
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.
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.
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models.
"All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
"Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today.
"I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching.
In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
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??
