Apple is gearing up for its biggest Apple TV 4K refresh in years, with the new model expected to land in late 2025 — most likely in October or November, just in time for the holiday shopping season. This will be the first major overhaul since the 2022 release, and rumors suggest it won’t just be a minor spec bump — we could be looking at a major leap forward in performance, design, and capabilities.
A17 Pro Power: Console-Level Performance in a Streaming Box
At the heart of the 2025 Apple TV 4K is the rumored A17 Pro chip — the same processor powering the iPhone 15 Pro series. This chip is built on a 3‑nanometer process, delivering up to 20% faster CPU performance and 20–30% better GPU performance compared to the A15 Bionic in the current Apple TV. For Apple Arcade and cloud gaming, this could mean console-like visuals and smoother gameplay, potentially putting it in competition with entry-level gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch.
A Sleeker, More Premium Design
Leaks point to a thinner, redesigned metal chassis, replacing the current plastic housing. This would not only give it a more premium feel but could also improve heat dissipation for better sustained performance. Apple may also be aiming to make the device more discreet for modern minimalist living rooms.
Faster, Smarter Connectivity
The new Apple TV 4K is expected to support Wi‑Fi 6E, which offers lower latency and less interference — a big win for 4K HDR streaming and online gaming. There are also whispers about a new Proxima wireless chip, which could improve AirPlay performance and device-to-device communication across the Apple ecosystem.
Gaming Gets Serious
Apple has been making quiet but steady moves into gaming. With the A17 Pro, the 2025 Apple TV could finally deliver ray tracing capabilities and support for more advanced game controllers, including third-party Bluetooth devices. Combined with Apple Arcade’s growing library, this could make the Apple TV a legitimate home gaming hub.
Eco-Friendly Build
Following Apple’s environmental pledges, the new model is rumored to use more recycled materials and a lower carbon footprint in production. This aligns with Apple’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Price and Positioning
The starting price is expected to be around $180, keeping it competitive with premium streaming devices like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro and higher-end Roku models. Apple may also offer a higher-tier version with larger storage for gaming and offline content.
Why This Matters
The streaming device market in 2025 is more competitive than ever, with Amazon, Google, and NVIDIA all pushing powerful 4K HDR boxes. But Apple’s advantage lies in its tight ecosystem integration — seamless AirPlay, HomeKit smart home control, and deep ties to iOS and macOS make the Apple TV 4K an attractive choice for existing Apple users.
If Apple delivers on these rumored upgrades, the 2025 Apple TV 4K could be the most powerful streaming device on the market — and a serious contender in the living room gaming space.
Apple TV 4K 2025 vs. The Competition
| Feature / Device | Apple TV 4K (2025) (Rumored) | Apple TV 4K (2022) | NVIDIA Shield TV Pro | Amazon Fire TV Cube (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A17 Pro (3nm) | A15 Bionic (5nm) | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ | Octa-core 3.0 GHz |
| RAM | Likely 6GB | 4GB | 3GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 128GB (rumored higher-tier) | 32GB/64GB | 16GB | 16GB |
| Video Output | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Gaming | Apple Arcade, Ray Tracing, Controller Support | Apple Arcade, Controller Support | GeForce NOW, Android Games | Amazon Luna, Controller Support |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi 6E, Proxima wireless chip | Wi‑Fi 6 | Wi‑Fi 5 | Wi‑Fi 6E |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri | Google Assistant | Alexa |
| Price (USD) | ~$180 | $129–$149 | $199 | $139 |
Why This Matters
The streaming device market in 2025 is more competitive than ever, with Amazon, Google, and NVIDIA all pushing powerful 4K HDR boxes. But Apple’s advantage lies in its tight ecosystem integration — seamless AirPlay, HomeKit smart home control, and deep ties to iOS and macOS make the Apple TV 4K an attractive choice for existing Apple users.
If Apple delivers on these rumored upgrades, the 2025 Apple TV 4K could be the most powerful streaming device on the market — and a serious contender in the living room gaming space.
Apple TV Remote on iPhone
Got your iPhone handy? You can turn it into an Apple TV remote in seconds. Your iPhone becomes a powerful controller for your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV with just a few taps.
The Apple TV Remote feature lets you navigate menus, play content, and adjust volume right from your phone’s screen. It’s perfect for those times when the physical remote is missing or you simply prefer using your iPhone.
Setting up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone is easy. You just need to add it to Control Center in your device settings. Once enabled, you can swipe and tap to control your TV, use the keyboard for text entry, and even ask Siri for help.
| Feature | iPhone as Apple TV Remote | Physical Apple TV Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Touchpad gestures | Clickpad or touchpad |
| Text Entry | On-screen keyboard | On-screen navigation |
| Voice Control | Siri via iPhone | Siri button on remote |
| Charge Method | iPhone charger | USB-C or Lightning |
| Range | Wi-Fi range | Bluetooth range |
Setting Up Apple TV Remote on iPhone
Setting up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone involves a few simple steps. You’ll need to ensure your device meets the requirements, download the necessary app, and connect your iPhone to your Apple TV.
System Requirements and Compatibility
To use the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, you’ll need iOS 12 or later. This feature works with Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. It’s also compatible with iPadOS 13 or later on iPad.
Your iPhone and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. This ensures seamless communication between devices. Older iPhone models (iPhone 8 and earlier) can still use this feature, but the setup process may differ slightly.
Make sure your Apple TV software is up to date for the best performance. You can check for updates in the Settings app on your Apple TV.
Download and Installation
To get started, you’ll need to download the Remote app. Here’s how:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone
- Search for “Apple TV Remote”
- Tap “Get” to download and install the app
If you’re using iOS 12 or later, the Apple TV Remote is already built into the Control Center. You don’t need to download a separate app.
To add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center:
- Go to Settings > Control Center
- Scroll down and tap the green “+” next to Apple TV Remote
This makes it easy to access the remote quickly whenever you need it.
Connecting iPhone to Apple TV
Once you have the Remote app or Control Center set up, it’s time to connect your iPhone to your Apple TV:
- Open Control Center on your iPhone
- Tap the Apple TV Remote button
- Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices
- If prompted, enter the four-digit code displayed on your TV screen
Your iPhone is now connected and ready to control your Apple TV. You can use it to navigate menus, play/pause content, and adjust volume. The touch area on your iPhone screen acts as a trackpad for easy navigation.
| Feature | iPhone Remote | Physical Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Swipe on touchscreen | Directional buttons |
| Volume Control | Yes | Yes |
| Siri Support | Yes | Yes (on supported models) |
| Battery Life | Uses iPhone battery | Rechargeable (varies by model) |
| Ease of Replacement | Always with your phone | Can be misplaced |
Navigating the Interface
The Apple TV Remote on iPhone offers intuitive controls and features for seamless navigation. Users can easily interact with their Apple TV using touch gestures, buttons, and voice commands.
Using the Touchpad and Buttons
The touchpad on your iPhone’s Apple TV Remote acts like the physical remote’s surface. Swipe up, down, left, or right to highlight items on the screen. Tap to select. For precise control, use short swipes to move one item at a time.
The Menu button takes you back or exits to the main menu. Press and hold it to return to the Home Screen. The Play/Pause button controls media playback. Volume buttons adjust audio levels.
To access additional options for on-screen content, press and hold the touchpad. This reveals context-sensitive menus similar to right-clicking on a computer.
Accessing Additional Controls
Swipe down from the top of your iPhone screen to open Control Center. Tap the Apple TV Remote button to launch the interface. If it’s not visible, you can add it in Settings.
The remote interface includes buttons for Home, Menu, and Siri. You’ll also find a More button that reveals extra controls:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| Captions | Toggle subtitles on/off |
| Search | Open the search interface |
| Keyboard | Type text on Apple TV |
Use these controls to enhance your viewing experience and navigate content more efficiently.
Voice Control with Siri
Activate Siri by pressing and holding the Siri button on the remote interface. You can use voice commands to control your Apple TV, search for content, or adjust settings.
Try commands like:
- “Play the next episode”
- “Turn on captions”
- “What did they say?”
Siri can also help you find specific genres, actors, or directors. For example, “Show me action movies with Tom Cruise” or “Find documentaries about space.”
Voice control simplifies navigation and makes it easier to find content without extensive menu browsing. It’s particularly useful when you’re unsure where to find a specific setting or feature.
Advanced Features and Tips
The Apple TV Remote app on iPhone offers powerful capabilities beyond basic controls. It provides efficient solutions for common issues and convenient shortcuts to enhance your Apple TV experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your iPhone remote isn’t connecting to Apple TV, check your Wi-Fi network. Ensure both devices are on the same network and have a strong signal. Restart your Apple TV and iPhone if problems persist.
For unresponsive buttons, close the remote app completely and reopen it. If issues continue, update your iPhone’s iOS and Apple TV software to the latest versions.
Sometimes, the remote may disconnect unexpectedly. To fix this, toggle Bluetooth off and on in your iPhone settings. This often reestablishes the connection quickly.
Maximizing Remote App Efficiency
Customize button functions in the app settings to streamline your usage. You can change the TV button’s action from opening the Apple TV app to returning to the Home Screen.
Use gestures for faster navigation. Swipe left, right, up, or down in the touch area to move between menu items. Quick taps select items, while long presses often reveal additional options.
Enable keyboard notifications to type faster when searching. This allows you to use your iPhone’s keyboard for text input on Apple TV.
Shortcut to Apple TV Remote from Lock Screen
Add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center for quick access. Go to Settings > Control Center and tap the plus icon next to Apple TV Remote.
Once added, you can access the remote by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen (or up from the bottom on older models).
For even faster access, use the Apple TV Remote widget. Add it to your Today View or Home Screen for one-tap access to controls without unlocking your phone.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Control Center Access | Quick remote access without unlocking |
| Widget | One-tap controls from Home Screen |
| Keyboard Notifications | Faster text input on Apple TV |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Apple TV Remote app on iPhone offers convenient control options. Users can easily navigate their Apple TV, enter text, and access various features directly from their smartphone.
How do I use the Apple TV Remote app on my iPhone?
To use the Apple TV Remote app, swipe and tap in the touch area to navigate and select items on your Apple TV. Use the app’s on-screen buttons for playback control and Siri functions.
Is there a free Apple TV Remote app for iPhone?
Yes, the Apple TV Remote functionality is free and built into the Control Center on iPhones running recent iOS versions. You don’t need to download a separate app.
What should I do if my Apple TV Remote app on my iPhone is not working?
First, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your iPhone and Apple TV. If issues persist, try removing and re-adding the Apple TV Remote to your Control Center.
How to pair an iPhone with Apple TV using the remote app?
Open Control Center on your iPhone and tap the Apple TV Remote button. Select your Apple TV from the list. If prompted, enter the four-digit code displayed on your TV screen to complete pairing.
Can I control my Apple TV with my iPhone?
Yes, you can control your Apple TV with your iPhone using the built-in remote feature. It allows you to navigate menus, adjust volume, and use Siri commands.
How can I find the remote function for Apple TV on my iPhone?
To access the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center. Tap the Apple TV Remote icon to use it.
| Feature | iPhone Remote | Physical Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Touch area | Clickpad |
| Siri | Available | Available |
| Battery | Phone battery | Rechargeable |
| Ease of finding | On your phone | Can be misplaced |
