[Updated] New Roku remote has dedicated Apple TV+ button

Roku has announced the Roku Express 4K+ with new voice remote as part of a slew of announcements on Monday.

The Roku Voice Remote Pro will retail for $29.99 and is compatible with all Roku TV models and select streaming devices, letting you control playback, launch apps and adjust the volume. The new hands-free feature lets you do all of this and more by using your voice and saying “Hey, Roku”.

It also has dedicated buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and Apple TV+, making it the first remote to support launching Apple’s new TV streaming service directly from the press of a button. It’s not clear how much Apple will be paying for the placement of their service on the remote.

Update #1: It appears that because the deal happened ‘very recently’, some customers are still receiving Roku Voice Remote Pro models without an Apple TV+ button on. Roku could choose to sell existing stock first and begin rolling out the updated remote with the TV+ shortcut soon after. It may be best to wait for a few weeks for stock to balance out.

Roku has also begun rolling out Roku OS 10 to the new Roku Express 4K+, Roku Streambar Pro and all other Roku TV devices. The update brings HomeKit and AirPlay 2 support to more devices, which will let you control them using the Home app on an iPhone, iPad or Mac and stream video or audio content.

The Apple TV app gives you access to your iTunes purchases and streaming services connected to Apple TV. It also allows you stream Apple Originals, such as Ted Lasso, The Morning Show and See through TV+. Roku added support for the app last year.

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Ben Ward

Senior Editor, discussing everything Apple and supporting other writers and members of Apple TLD's team of volunteers.

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