MFi Program
Apple Inc.'s MFi Program, referring to "Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad", is a licensing program for developers of hardware and software peripherals that work with Apple's iPod, iPad and iPhone. The name is a shortened version of the long-form Made for iPod, the original program that ultimately became MFi.
The MFi program covers various device connectors including the headphone jack, original dock connector and the newer Lightning connector, as well as AirPlay support. Companies joining the MFi program and passing certification tests are able to display certain MFi-related logos on their product packaging, like the "Made for iPod" badge.
Made for iPod
The Made for iPod program was launched at the
When using the dock connector, devices are able to control the iPod using a simple serial protocol known as the Apple Accessory Protocol (AAP). This uses a (normally) 19,200 bit/s 8N1 communications signal to send short packets containing commands like "take voice note" or "volume up". With the introduction of the 3rd generation iPods, AAP was available to the headphone connection as well.[4][verification needed] These signals are used by many Made for iPod devices to allow remote control, including car integration systems.
All iPod models have been discontinued by 2022, though the MFi program continues to exist.[5]
New product lines
With the introduction of the iPhone the program name extended to "Made for iPod and Made for iPhone", and then still again with the iPad to become "Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad". The program name officially changed to MFi around 2010, although this term had been used unofficially for some time.[6]
The MFi program now also covers the AirTunes system for wirelessly streaming music. AirTunes was originally introduced in 2004 on the Mac and PC platforms inside iTunes,[7] and later became known as AirPlay when video-out capabilities were added to support devices like the Apple TV. AirPlay came to the devices when they gained WiFi capabilities with the introduction of the iPhone and iPod Touch. With no hardware component, AirPlay has been widely implemented in both official and non-MFi software systems (see AirPlay for details).
Lightning connector
With the introduction of the Lightning connector, the branding was changed and officially became MFi, a term that had been used unofficially for some time. Lightning also introduced additional protocols that could only be officially supported through the MFi program. In addition to the technical requirements, according to TUAW, Apple also took the opportunity to update the licensing agreement to require all 3rd parties to agree to Apple's supplier responsibility code.[8]
iOS 7 and beyond
The release of the developer's version of
Developers wishing to integrate their devices and application with
References
- ^ a b Horwitz, Jeremy (30 January 2005). "Made for iPod central information hub". iLounge.
- ^ Rojas, Peter (18 March 2005). "Apple wants a 10% cut of all Made for iPod accessories". Engadget.
- ^ Fried, Ina (16 March 2005). "Apple seeks 'tax' on iPod accessories". CNET News. Archived from the original on 12 February 2014.
- ^ "Apple Accessory Protocol"
- ^ Cooney, Christy (May 10, 2022). "'The spirit lives on': Apple to discontinue the iPod after 21 years". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group plc. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "GSLO Pursues Apple License for Peel 520" (Press release). Archived from the original on 9 December 2010 – via Business Wire.
- ^ "Apple Unveils AirPort Express for Mac & PC Users" (Press release). Apple. 7 June 2004.
- ^ Rose, Michael (8 November 2012). "Made For iPhone manufacturers may have to comply with Apple's supplier responsibility code". TUAW.
- ^ Hodapp, Eli (10 June 2013). "WWDC 2013: More Details Emerge on Official iOS Game Controllers". TouchArcade.
- ^ Hattersley, Lou (28 January 2015). "Apple HomeKit release date rumours: Apple's system for controlling gadgets in your home coming this spring". MacWorld.
