Apple Made-for-iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) licensing program now extends to Lightning to 3.5mm output cable and USB-C ports. The new specs were detailed in Apple’s recently updated materials for manufacturers in the MFi program, according to sources.
Per the new specs, companies in the MFi program can now include USB-C receptacles on their officially certified iOS and Mac accessories for charging. This allows users to charge their devices via either a USB-C cable or power adapter they might already own.
The MFi program, started a few years back, allowed for Apple to license its specs and thus avoid having to bundle additional cables and accessories with certain products. It also allowed for additional peripherals and the expansion of the USB-C protocol, which is found on both Macs and PCs.
Apple’s documentation for the new specs lists battery packs and speakers as products that could benefit from using a USB-C receptacle. Products are also allowed to bundle USB-C cables with the MFi accessories, but manufacturers can opt to not include a cable or adapter and reduce their costs and or price in the process. Unlike with Lightning receptacles, Apple does not allow the port to be used for passthrough charging or sync of an iOS device.
The new specs also allow accessory makers to create their own Lightning to 3.5mm stereo analog output plug.
Apple introduced the specs into its MFi program at the beginning of the year, and it appears there aren’t yet any products on the market taking advantage of them.
Via 9to5Mac