iOS 27 to Upgrade Apple TV Remote App in Two Ways

Apple has unveiled a redesigned virtual Apple TV Remote app for the iOS 27 Release Candidate, introducing two innovative features. The first new addition is an app launcher button in the top-right corner of the interface, allowing users to quickly launch their preferred apps directly onto the Apple TV. The second feature enables users to drag down from the top of the virtual trackpad to access the Apple TV's top shelf carousel, displaying shows in their watch list and any started shows they wish to resume.

These two features, currently hidden behind feature flags, were discovered by MacRumors and showcased by code analyst pdfu on X (Twitter). As part of the iOS 27 update, Apple is also bringing back the virtual Apple TV Remote to the iPhone's Home Screen, making it more accessible than before. With the upcoming next-generation Apple TV 4K set to release later this month or in October, these new Remote app capabilities might provide a glimpse into potential upgrades for the device itself.