Apple TV 4K gets better every year through regular software updates and even the occasional hardware bump. But it truly shines when paired with other Apple devices. Here are four Apple TV 4K features you’ll gain when using the device alongside Apple’s other products.
Hands-free playback controls with HomePod
One of my favorite demonstrations of Apple’s ecosystem ‘magic moments’ involves the Apple TV 4K and HomePod.
When a HomePod and Apple TV 4K are in the same home, you can control playback on your Apple TV simply by speaking to your HomePod.
Just ask Siri on your HomePod to play, pause, skip back or forward, or other standard playback controls. No need to press the Siri button on your Siri Remote.
Siri will know that you’re referring to what’s playing on your Apple TV, and act accordingly.
Remote app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
Another convenient way to control your Apple TV 4K via another Apple device is with the Remote app.
Apple’s Remote app is available for iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Watch.
It provides the same basic functionality found with the physical Siri Remote, but using one of your other devices.
The Remote app can go even further though. Once you’ve used the app on your iPhone, for example, you’ll be able to track playback of what you’re watching via the iPhone’s Lock Screen. This is especially great on modern devices with an always-on display.
I love being able to glance at my iPhone to quickly see how much longer a given show or movie has left. It’s an easy way to track runtime without messing with the Apple TV 4K itself.
InSight on iPhone, right where you want it
InSight is a new tvOS 18 feature that works especially well when used from an iPhone.
InSight provides similar functionality to Prime Video’s X-Ray feature. It will show you info for the actors on-screen at any given time, and whatever music is playing.
You can use InSight on the Apple TV 4K itself, but I find it’s much more convenient and less distracting on the iPhone. InSight is available when using the iPhone’s Remote app, and allows you to check the relevant info without covering your TV screen with the InSight overlay.
HomePod speaker experience
Finally, Apple TV 4K can not only be controlled via HomePod requests. It can also make HomePods your designated speakers—and get a bonus feature as a result.
On your Apple TV 4K, open the Settings app, then Video and Audio ⇾ Audio Output and select your HomePod or HomePod stereo pair as your Default Audio Output.
You can get Dolby Atmos support this way, and also benefit from a brand new tvOS 18.2 feature:
Enhance Dialogue on HomePod (2nd generation) when paired with Apple TV 4K gives you the option to hear speech more clearly over background sounds using real-time audio processing and machine learning.
I love the standard Enhance Dialogue feature offered by tvOS 18, but with the HomePod 2nd generation that feature gets even better in tvOS 18.2.
Apple TV 4K features: wrap-up
Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem has long been at the core of the company’s success. And Apple TV 4K is a great demonstration of why that ecosystem can be so compelling. It’s a solid product on its own, but when paired with other Apple devices, it’s truly at its best.
Which of these Apple TV 4K ecosystem features do you like most? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple TV 4K and home accessories
- Anti-slip silicone case for Siri Remote, AirTag compatible
- AirPods Pro 2 (currently just $189, discounted from $249)
- HomeKit smart plug 4-pack
- meross Garage Door Opener
- TP-Link Tapo 2K camera with HomeKit Secure Video
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