With the launch of the iPhone 5, iPad 4, iPad Mini and new iPod models, Apple has finally gotten rid of the 30 pin dock connector and replaced it with the much smaller Lightning Connector. With a new connector comes the challenge of making new accessories that are compatible. Apple is holding a conference about its MFi accessory (made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) program in China this week.
It’s important for Apple to get third party manufacturers on board to get the same level of support they got for the old connector. One important bit of news that has come out of this conference is that Apple will require MFI licensees to follow the same supply and manufacturing code that Apple uses for its own products. The code of conduct can be read on Apple’s website. Needless to say this supplier code is quite strict and many MFi accessory makers will find it a bit unnecessary and detrimental to their overall profits.
That being said, the iOS accessory market is still huge. Whether this new strict code of conduct will drive away MFi accessory makers away is yet to be seen. For now it’s obvious they wouldn’t be too thrilled about working harder than before.