apple tv remote control

Identify your Apple TV remote - Apple Support

• The Apple Remote (aluminum) uses IR.
• The Siri Remote uses bluetooth for navigation commands (everything except volume control) to the Apple TV box, and IR for volume up/volume down directly to the TV or receiver. With supporting HDMI-CEC receivers and matching settings, the volume control will be done through bluetooth and HDMI commands instead of IR (no line-of-sight required).
• The Apple TV Remote app on iOS devices sends commands through the home network.

For current Apple TVs, its Infrared and Wifi.

Infrared only used when controlling the volume on a CEC compatible TV or receiver.

Wifi for everything else.