Hardware needed for BLE pairing with iOS

Question

Louis___ OP

Created Oct ’24

Replies 3

Boosts 0

Participants 2

Hi there,

I'm working on a product which needs to pair with an iOS device (only iPad and iPhone) via Bluetooth. I already have the device pairing and operating fully with android or Windows hosts and have implemented BLE. Obviously, iOS isn't as simple as those for pairing. The product type is not listed under the MFi accessories.

The question I have is what hardware and or firmware needs does the product needs to fulfil in order to pair/bond fully. I've seen some devices have a MFi security chip, some need to be manufactured in a MFi approved facility, I've no idea on the firmware requirements. We're starting the process of joining the MFi program too. So:

Do I need the security chip?
Where is the pairing process documented?
Can I use BLE or do I need to use classic Bluetooth or core Bluetooth?

Any help would be greatly appreciated because I'm kind of lost.

Thanks, Louis

Boost

Answer 1

Engineer OP

Apple

Oct ’24

It is not possible to guess what the issue you are seeing with pairing is, nor to make recommendations as you have not provided any concrete details about it.

But BLE pairing is for Apple devices is based on the Bluetooth LE specifications. Although there might be some stricter requirements you might be running into. You can find details in the Accessory Design Guidelines for Apple Devices, Section 52.

If you are having difficulties pairing, you would need to understand the errors you are seeing either in your app or your accessory. You will likely need a BLE Protocol Analyzer (sniffer) to understand what is failing during the pairing process.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices are not governed by MFi, therefore do not need approval or use of the security chip.

Whether to use BLE or Bluetooth Classic is up to you. With Bluetooth Classic you can use the common profiles like HFP, HID, A2DP, etc. freely without needing to be an MFi device. If you want to transfer arbitrary data using Classic Bluetooth (BR/EDR), then you will need to sign up for the MFi program and follow the requirements.

Again, you do not need MFi for BLE accessories, and joining the program will not help with your BLE pairing issues.

Argun Tekant /  DTS Engineer / Core Technologies

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Answer 2

Louis___ OP

Oct ’24

This is a very useful response thank you. I'll get the error codes. Really glad we don't need to join the MFi program.

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Answer 3

Louis___ OP

Oct ’24

I've tried to use BLE Scanner and 'LightBlue', I've also tried to pair from the system settings but don't get that option. I can connect fine.

With a pair of Bluetooth headphones I can connect to a device from the system settings and it transfers automatically into the my devices.

As per the Accessory Design Guidelines for Apple Devices link, it seems to suggest that I need to communicate with AT command and responses with the host device (e.g. iPhone). I'm working out how to get that running.

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