Are there any updates on communicating with iPhones via USB-C without an MFi chip?

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merati22 OP

Created Oct ’24

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Hi everyone,

Are there any new updates on communicating with iPhones via USB-C without needing an MFi chip, especially with the iPhone 15 or upcoming iPhone 16?

I'm developing a custom accessory and wondering if the switch to USB-C has introduced any new possibilities for data communication without going through the MFi program.

Thanks!

Answered by DTS Engineer in 809365022

Are there any new updates on communicating with iPhones via USB-C without needing an MFi chip, especially with the iPhone 15 or upcoming iPhone 16?

No, we have not announced anything new in this area.

I'm developing a custom accessory and wondering if the switch to USB-C has introduced any new possibilities for data communication without going through the MFi program.

As a clarifying point, DriverKit on iPadOS is not a direct/complete technology alternative for the kinds of accessories that would use ExternalAccessory. While DriverKit definitely offers new capabilities, DriverKit doesn't provide any way for an app to run in the background and is also far more complicated to implement than the ExternalAccessory.

Also, if you haven't already, I would recommend joining the MFI program and learning the specifics of what's actually involved before assuming it isn't a viable option.

__
Kevin Elliott
DTS Engineer, CoreOS/Hardware

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Answer 1

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

Oct ’24

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Are there any new updates on communicating with iPhones via USB-C without needing an MFi chip, especially with the iPhone 15 or upcoming iPhone 16?

No, we have not announced anything new in this area.

I'm developing a custom accessory and wondering if the switch to USB-C has introduced any new possibilities for data communication without going through the MFi program.

As a clarifying point, DriverKit on iPadOS is not a direct/complete technology alternative for the kinds of accessories that would use ExternalAccessory. While DriverKit definitely offers new capabilities, DriverKit doesn't provide any way for an app to run in the background and is also far more complicated to implement than the ExternalAccessory.

Also, if you haven't already, I would recommend joining the MFI program and learning the specifics of what's actually involved before assuming it isn't a viable option.

__
Kevin Elliott
DTS Engineer, CoreOS/Hardware

0