Can I use Apple Remote with iMac mid/late 2015?

New iMacs no longer have an IR (Infared Receiver) built -in any longer to remote control an iMac since there is no more built-in DVD drive and no more Front Row App to control the iMac DVD player or anything else within OS X, any longer.

The Front Row app and any remote control operation of the IMac via Apple's old Remote Control device ended with OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

If you want to control your new iMac remotely and you own a mobile iDevice, there are remote apps you can use on both your iMac and iDevice. These apps work over Wifi and/or Bluetooth.

Apple has its own remote app simply called Remote.

Another, which I use and is very comprehensive remote app, is called Rowmote Pro by a developer called Regular & Rhythm.

If you want complete and total remote control access to your Mac, look at Splashtop Remote.

There is also a dedicated WifI and/or Bluetooth remote for Macs and iDevices by a company called Satechi.

Found here.

http://www.amazon.com/Satechi-MediaRemote-Bluetooth-Multi-Media-Control/dp/B0082 4948U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391729056&sr=8-1&keywords=Satechi+remote

OR

Here's an external IR remote solution.

Mira external USB/IR remote

http://twistedmelon.com/mira/hardware.html

No. there is no IR port receiver on that model.

The Satechi hardware remote that can be purchased from Amazon works over a Blueooth paired connection to any Apple device or computer.

There maybe a companion app that gets downloaded onto your computer to use this.

The other method, if you own an iDevice, is to download the remote software to your iDevice, which only works over a local Wfi connection, and install a free companion app to your Mac, that will "see" the comnands generated from the iOS remote and will get interpreted, over WiFi, to an Apple computer.

The remote app I use works with any Mac that has OS X 10.6.8 installed or later versions of OS X.

Thank you. I'm not very versed in any of this - would you mind clarifying a couple things in here?

Bluetooth paired connection: I have no idea what that means. I do have a modem with wifi that I use with my Kindle, but no smartphone. Is Bluetooth diff. than wifi?

Biuetooth is different from Wifi. Wifi is a wireless NETWORK device connection. Bluetooth is a wireless type of local device to device signal/data transfer connection.

All Intel Macs have a Bluetooth transponder and WiFi receiver bulit in.

Your 2006 Mac has Bluetooth and will, probably work with the Bluetooth Satechi remote and WILL work for sure with new/newer Macs.

The Satechi remote is the best alternative for remote controlling any Mac and if you get some sort of iDevice in the future, you can, also,,remote control those devices, as well.

The remote computer control over Wifi won't work for you without some sort of recent iDevice (like an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch). So, that option is OUT!

The Satechi remote is really your only viable option.

MichelPM,

I have not looked too closely at the various links you posted yet, but your comment gives me hope that I might still be able to use remote control once I purchase my new iMac whenever the newest ones come out. I'm currently using a late 2006 Mac with Snow Leopard and I use my remote a lot. I really only use it to control iTunes, but because I am transcribing recordings, it is invaluable. I can keep the remote in one hand to stop and start the recording while keeping my cursor in another window to type what I hear or speak it into my dictation software. Without the remote, I'm afraid my task would be twice as difficult. It seems from what you are saying, that I may be able to retrofit a remote to the newest iMacs? Is this correct?

Thank you,

Karen

Thank you. I'm not very versed in any of this - would you mind clarifying a couple things in here?
Bluetooth paired connection: I have no idea what that means. I do have a modem with wifi that I use with my Kindle, but no smartphone. Is Bluetooth diff. than wifi?

iDevice: again, no idea 😟 I own no iPhone, iPad, or iPod, just a very old iShuffle. I assume these things are what you mean by iDevice. [ok - I do have an idea. 🙂 ]

I do have a local wifi! 🙂 and I would only need the remote in my own home in the area of one room, usually right in front of the iMac. I checked out the Mira link you sent and it looks like I could buy their separate IR device, plug it in w/USB and possibly use my current Apple remote to make it work or theirs if need be?

Sorry if I sound a little dense. I know very little about the workings of hardware.

okay - I think I understand.

Once I get the brand new iMac, it won't have built-in IR, but it WILL have built-in Bluetooth transponder.

The Satechi remote will use that Bluetooth transponder to remote control my iTunes on the iMac.

(and my current remote that came with my 2006 mac probably won't work).

Did I get all that correct? Basically, I buy the Satechi, and I'm all set? Nothing else to buy or hook up?

Thanks! 🙂

Yup!

You got it!

Good Luck with your new iMac!

So much thanks! I thought I was going to have to rearrange my whole workflow, so you totally made my day! 🙂😀🙂