What is MFI and MFI USB Cable?

Apple's MFi Certification ("Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad") is a licensed program for developers of hardware and software peripherals for Apple's iPod, iPad, and iPhone. The name was originally an acronym for Made for iPod. The certification covers a variety of device connectors, including headphone jacks, the original dock connector and the new Lightning connector, as well as AirPlay support. Companies that participate in the MFi program and pass the certification test can display certain MFi-related logos, such as the "Made for iPod" logo, on their product packaging.

Made for iPod

The original Made for iPod was introduced at Macworld Expo on January 11, 2005, although some products prior to that were released under a label called "Ready for iPod". At the time, Apple reportedly charged a 10 percent fee on all products bearing the logo, which the report said was a "tax." iPods use an extended TRS terminal to allow other control inputs, such as mute and volume adjustment, and the license applies to products that plug into a jack or docking connector.

new product line

With the introduction of the iPhone, the program name expanded to "Made for iPod and Made for iPhone", and later to "Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad" with the iPad. The program name has been officially changed to MFi, a term that was used informally for some time around 2010.

new product line

With the development of the iPhone, the program name expanded to "Made for iPod and Made for iPhone", and later to "Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad" with the iPad. The program name has been officially changed to MFi, a term that was used informally for some time around 2010.

MFi plans now also cover AirTunes systems for unlimited streaming music. AirTunes first launched in 2004 with iTunes for Mac and PC platforms, and later when it was called AirPlay when video output capability was added to devices like Apple TV. After the iPhone and iPod Touch are Wi-Fi capable, AirPlay comes into the device. Because no additional hardware is required, AirPlay is widely implemented by official and non-MFi software systems (see AirPlay).

With the advent of the Lightning connector, the brand was changed and officially became MFi, a term that was used unofficially for a while. Lightning also introduces additional protocols, and official support is only available through MFi certification. In addition to the technical requirements, according to the TUAW, Apple also took the opportunity to update the license agreement to require all third parties to agree to Apple's Supplier Responsibility Code