Using S30 remote to access Netflix

So, to be (1,000%) clear, you cannot use the S30-S1B remote control to watch apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime, correct?

If so, several more questions:

• does AT&T U-verse offer another remote control that does allow you to use for apps?
• if not, can my (2015) Samsung smart TV's remote control somehow be programmed to control the AT&T TV?
• if not, why doesn't AT&T have a remote that does control both the TV and apps, like the Xfinity x-1, etc.?! (not to mention voice controls on the remote)

The AT&T remote does have limited ability to control the TV.  It will nearly always control power, mute and volume.  It may control input.  The navigation arrows and select (OK) may work depending on your brand and model of TV and whether or not you got it properly configured.  

IF those navigation arrows and select are enough to allow you to make your TV enter either Netflix or Amazon Prime apps (assuming that your TV has these apps), then you can do so.  If they are not, then you won't be able to. 

As far as I know, no TV manufacturer's remote control can operate the U-verse set top boxes, which are based on the (originally Microsoft developed) Mediaroom reference platform.  Some programmable remote systems are able to do so.  The Amazon Fire TV Cube's remote system can do some operations on it.  The Broadlink RM3 mini cannot.  The Logitech Harmony system can.

Use a Chromecast, AppleTV, Roku or any other device.

I can flip inputs automatically using the remote of my smart device, but need to use the TV or sound receiver remote to flip back to U-Verse input.

Because U-Verse is essentially a retired product, I doubt anything will be upgraded. They've had years to include apps for things like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc. They haven't added apps, but they've taken plenty away.

Thank you for the replies.

@JefferMC, yes, my smart tv has Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other apps, but when I use the AT&T remote, they appear in a row at the bottom of the screen when I turn on the tv, but that’s it, there’s no way I’ve discovered to control the apps with the AT&T remote.

@baseballisback, yeah, I’ve been considering a Roku, but first wanted to confirm I wasn’t missing anything.

But what did you mean that U-verse is a retired product? I ask because I have it through a “community plan,” so if it’s being phased out and not supported, it’d be good to know.

AT&T has not been selling U-verse TV to new customers for a year now.  Ever since the DIRECTV acquisition, they have not been advocating U-verse TV.  They are investing their efforts into AT&T TV (and not very hard there at this moment).  There's talk about U-verse TV possibly going along with a sell off of DIRECTV.

At this point, AT&T has said nothing about when U-verse TV might go away for existing customers, but clearly it's not a growth product for them.