MFi Program

Made for iPod

The Made for iPod program was announced at the Macworld Expo on 11 January 2005. Some products released just before the announcement carried a "Ready for iPod" label instead. It was reported at that time that Apple would be taking a 10% cut for all products with the logo, which media outlets described as a "tax" on accessory makers. iPods use an extended TRSS headphone jack that allows additional control inputs like muting and volume adjustments, and licenses were available for products that plug into the iPod's jack or 30-pin dock connector.

When using the 30-pin 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 iPod, AAP was available to the headphone connection as well. These signals are used by many Made for iPod devices to allow remote control, including car integration systems.

Made for iPhone and Made for iPad

With the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, the program added "Made for iPhone" certification. "Made for iPad" certification was introduced in 2010 following the introduction of the iPad. The program was formally renamed as the MFi Program in 2010, although this term had been used unofficially for some time.

The Lightning connector, introduced in 2012, added additional protocols that could only be certified through the MFi Program. In addition to the technical requirements, Apple also updated the licensing agreement to require all third parties to agree to Apple's supplier responsibility code. The iPhone and iPad lines had transitioned from Lightning to USB-C by 2024, and Apple does not include USB-C charging cables or peripherals in the program.

The release of the developer's version of iOS 7 at WWDC 2013 included a new MFi approval process for game controllers, including wrap-around designs that clip onto an iOS device, or completely separate wireless models.

AirPlay

The MFi Program covers the AirTunes system for wirelessly streaming music. AirTunes was originally introduced in 2004 on the Mac and PC platforms inside iTunes, 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 Wi-Fi 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.

Other devices

The MFi Program expanded to include certification for accessories that include the Apple Watch magnetic charger and the MagSafe charger and compatible cases for iPhones. The program also includes devices that interface with iPhones and Apple Watches using NFC and UWB digital keys, and motorized stands and gimbals for iPhones using DockKit.

Smart home devices that work with Apple Home using the HomeKit protocol must also be certified by the MFi Program and use an encryption co-processor. Products that use the open Matter standard only require MFi certification if they use Apple-specific features such as HomeKit Secure Video.