Apple has pulled its remote app from the app store without any advance warning or announcement. The app allowed users to control their Apple TV using a simulated remote control on their iPhone or iPad. But now that the feature comes already built into iOS, we can see why the app seems a little obsolete and unnecessary.
The only way this will negatively affect users is if you’re using an older Apple device that doesn’t support iOS 12, which is the required software to run the integrated built-in remote.
Apple has already updated its support page to help users set up the Apple Remote feature to the control center on their phone.
Here’s how to Set up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Before you begin, add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
- If you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, the Apple TV Remote is automatically added to Control Center.
- If you have an earlier version of iOS, manually add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center.
To use the Apple TV Remote with an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV, add your smart TV to the Home app and assign it to a room.
Then set up the Apple TV Remote in Control Center:
- Open Control Center:
- On iPhone X or later or iPad with the latest version of iPadOS: Swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen.
- On iPhone 8 or earlier or iOS 11 or earlier: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
- Tap the Apple TV Remote.
- Tap your Apple TV or smart TV from the list.
- When asked, follow the onscreen instructions to enter a four-digit passcode into your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.