The Apple TV 4K continually evolves with yearly software upgrades and occasional hardware enhancements, but it truly excels when integrated with other Apple gadgets. Here are four standout features you’ll enjoy when using the Apple TV 4K in tandem with Apple’s ecosystem.
Voice-activated playback controls with HomePod
One of my favorite examples of Apple’s seamless integration within its ecosystem involves using the Apple TV 4K with the HomePod.
When both devices are present in the same home, you can control your Apple TV playback using voice commands directed at your HomePod.
Simply tell Siri on your HomePod to play, pause, or skip ahead or back—there’s no need to press any buttons on the Siri Remote.
Siri will automatically recognize that you’re referring to your Apple TV and execute your commands accordingly.
Remote application on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
You can also effortlessly manage your Apple TV 4K with the Remote app found on iPhone, iPad, or even the Apple Watch.
This app offers functionality akin to the physical Siri Remote, giving you a useful alternative in managing your TV.
Moreover, once you’ve interacted with the app on your iPhone, you can easily monitor playback on the iPhone’s Lock Screen. This is particularly useful on modern devices with always-on displays.
I appreciate the ability to check the remaining runtime of a show or movie at a glance on my iPhone, making it easier to keep track without needing to navigate back to the Apple TV 4K.
InSight on iPhone, exactly where you need it
The InSight feature, introduced in tvOS 18, is particularly effective when utilized via an iPhone.
InSight offers functionality similar to Prime Video’s X-Ray, displaying information about on-screen actors and the background music currently playing.
While you can access InSight directly on the Apple TV 4K, I find it considerably more convenient to use on the iPhone. InSight is available through the iPhone’s Remote app, allowing you to gather relevant information without obstructing your TV’s display with the overlay.
HomePod Audio Experience
Additionally, the Apple TV 4K not only allows control via HomePod commands, but you can also set up HomePods as your primary audio output, gaining an added benefit.
To do this, navigate to the Settings app on your Apple TV 4K, select Video and Audio ⇾ Audio Output, and choose your HomePod or stereo pair as the Default Audio Output.
This configuration allows for Dolby Atmos support and introduces a new feature in tvOS 18.2:
Enhance Dialogue on HomePod (2nd generation) paired with Apple TV 4K lets you hear speech more clearly over background noise through real-time audio processing and machine learning.
I appreciate the built-in Enhance Dialogue feature in tvOS 18, and with the second generation of HomePod, this feature is even more effective in tvOS 18.2.
Summary of Apple TV 4K Features
Apple’s ecosystem of hardware and software has been a fundamental element of the brand’s success. The Apple TV 4K serves as a prime example of how compelling this ecosystem can be. It stands out as a robust product alone, but when connected with other Apple devices, it truly reaches its peak.
Which of these Apple TV 4K ecosystem features do you find most appealing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Top Apple TV 4K and Home Accessories
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