9to5 Mac is reporting via Macotakara that Apple has or may be reducing the fees and minimum quantities purchased on MFi (Made For iPod, iPhone, iPad) licenses for third party accessory makers. This would certainly not only be welcome for the manufactures but consumers as well. Assuming manufacturers will pass the savings along. For those of you not in the know. Apple began its MFi program back in 2005 with the iPod.
As we all know iDevices have always had proprietary connectors and Apple has sought to protect its connectors by licensing the technology to third party vendors. This allowed third parties to make accessories for iDevices while maintaining a standard and quality that satisfied Apple. Inside every connector is an authentication chip that is certified by Apple. Some vendors have been able to use cracked chips to bypass the MFi requirements and sell their accessories cheaper but be warned, damage done by these connectors could leave you high and dry if damage is done to your iDevice. I’m sure the reduction in cost is welcome news to third party vendors and hopefully we’ll see a bit of a price break on accessories.
Source: 9to5 Mac, Makotakara
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Last Updated on January 23, 2017.