Precision Finding on the new Siri Remote comes with an unexpected catch
Apple's new Siri Remote adds Precision Finding, but the feature won't work with iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 models, even though they support advanced Ultra Wideband tracking. iPhone 16 Pro Max Introduced alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV , the updated remote adds more precise location guidance through Find My and a built-in speaker that can play a sound when the remote goes missing. However,…
Apple's latest Siri Remote features "Precision Finding," a precision location guidance tool in conjunction with Find My. However, this innovative feature cannot be utilized with iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 models, despite those devices supporting advanced Ultra Wideband tracking. The new remote, launched alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV, enhances the user experience with a built-in speaker, capable of emitting a sound when the remote is misplaced.
Despite compatibility with Apple's latest Ultra Wideband chip in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, these models are excluded from Precision Finding functionality due to Apple's specific compatibility requirements. Apple's footnotes reveal that Precision Finding necessitates an iPhone 17 or later, excluding the iPhone 17e. Moreover, these iPhones must run the most recent iOS version, with availability influenced by regional factors.
This peculiarity is surprising, considering that the iPhone 15 and most iPhone 16 models already possess Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which supports expanded Precision Finding with the AirTag 2. The reason behind the remote's reliance on newer iPhones, even with the tracking abilities of older models, remains unexplained by Apple.
Nevertheless, iPhone users with older models are not entirely barred from benefiting from the new Siri Remote. With iOS 17's introduction, Apple's existing remote finder, which utilizes proximity indicators to indicate proximity to or distance from the device, can still assist. Precision Finding, which provides more detailed location guidance, differs from the sound emission feature exclusive to the fourth-generation Siri Remote.
The new remote is compatible with Apple TV HD and all Apple TV 4K generations, allowing owners of older Apple TV hardware to upgrade their remote experience without purchasing the new $299 Apple TV 4K model. Preorder for the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K commences on October 13, with availability beginning on November 13.
Written by urgent.news from AppleInsider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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