What is an MFi certified data cable?

What is MFi? It is the abbreviation of made for iPhone "made for iPod" and "made for iPad". It is a development plan and authorization certification process developed by Apple based on the peripheral products of iPhone, iPod and iPad.

There is a big threshold for obtaining MFi certification and authorization. Apple has a rigorous review mechanism. For example, after a company has filled out the initial MFi application form, it may be rejected because the application does not meet the qualifications. The certification pass rate is only 2%. Being able to apply for and successfully obtain MFi authorization has become a symbol of strength in technology and quality for Apple accessory manufacturers and design companies.

Different suffixes will be added after MFi. For example, "MFi Authorized Technology" refers to the technology that third-party accessories connect to iOS devices (such as 30 pin data cable, Lightning data cable, Airplay audio transmission, Carplay, headset wire control, etc.). "MFi certification" refers to Apple's certification of these third-party connection accessories. There are two types of MFi certificates, one is the MFi technology development certificate and the other is the MFi manufacturing certificate. A company with an MFi technology development certificate and a company with an MFi manufacturing certificate can make MFi certified products. Of course, these two links can be the same company.

The advantages of certified products are:

lThe product is perfectly compatible with Apple devices

lRepresents the industry's first-class product design in line with Apple's design

lAfter strict testing by Apple, the product quality is guaranteed

Apple requires that in addition to pure Bluetooth-connected devices, all other third-party connected devices need to pass MFi certification. The certified third-party data cable will have an Apple certification chip protected by a metal sheet, as well as a special MFi chip. This chip, combined with the iPhone's internal power management chip, constitutes a complete iPhone charging solution. These three parts must be certified by Apple, otherwise the iOS devices will not be able to charge according to Apple's charging scheme.

　The data cable with MFi certification will be cut off immediately when the high voltage output is abnormal during charging to ensure safety. Therefore, in theory, there is no MFi-certified copycat Apple data cable on the market, it is very likely that accidents may occur. However, as more and more IC chips are cracked in recent years, it is very likely that cracked chips are used to buy MFi-certified data cables in the market. For example, some manufacturers made MFi-certified data cables in the early stage. After they sold a certain amount, they suddenly removed the MFi label without any statement and replaced them with cracked data cables with the same appearance.

　We know that selling products is for profit, but the act of adulterating the real thing violates the original intention of making the product and violates business ethics. The product is something that meets people's needs. The MFi certified data cable we need must have quality and guarantee, and there is no need to worry about safety accidents when charging.