iOS 27 Restores Apple TV Remote as Full App, Hidden Features Found in Beta

According to the report, Apple is moving the Remote app away from its half-app state as a Control Center tile and turning it into a full app that users can place on the Home Screen. Apple Watch has long had a dedicated Remote app. On the Mac, 9to5Mac's author said he recently made an app for that purpose.

The more notable additions are not yet visible. A user named pdfu on X uncovered features hiding behind feature flags in the iOS Remote app, 9to5Mac reported. The code wrangler demonstrated how they work, the report said. The features are not available in the current beta.

The current Remote app functions mainly as a virtual directional pad that mimics the physical remote in software. The new version would go further by taking advantage of the fact that it is software, according to the report. 9to5Mac described it as a great addition to the iPhone and iPad Remote app.

Apple is also expected to update the physical Siri Remote when it releases a new Apple TV 4K, the report said, hopefully in the next month or so. The report did not offer a confirmed release date.

All of the activity around the software remote is a good sign that Apple is giving extra attention to the hardware box, according to 9to5Mac. That typically means a new product is in the works, the report said.

Editor's Summary Apple is restoring the TV Remote app as a full Home Screen app in iOS 27, while hidden feature flags point to new software capabilities. The company is also expected to update the Siri Remote alongside a new Apple TV 4K. The changes come as Apple is expected to update its TV hardware.