In Apple TV context, IR stands for infrared. It’s the signal used for things like controlling a TV’s volume or a receiver, while the Apple TV itself is usually controlled by Bluetooth or radio signals.

What that means

  • Infrared is the same kind of line-of-sight signal used by many TV remotes.
  • On Apple TV, IR is mainly for home theater control , especially volume and power functions.
  • The Apple TV remote can also learn IR commands from other remotes for compatibility.

Simple example

If your Apple TV remote changes the volume on your TV, that part is likely using IR ; if it navigates the Apple TV menu, that is usually not IR.

Bottom line

So the short answer is: IR = infrared in Apple TV terms.