Apple MFI for InHouse distribution

Question

we are developing an app that needs to communicate with external devices (through USB and BT) and I have doubts about the terms of MFI. The fact is that this app will be distributed through InHouse distribution and I don't know if enrolling to MFI is required for this kind of distribution or it's only when you want to distribute an app through the AppStore.

Many thanks in advance!

Answer 1

YES, if you are developing the MFi accessory. Please read the following FAQ taken from Apple

My company/organization wants to develop MFi accessories for in-house use. Do I need to join the MFi Program?

Yes. If you would like access to the MFi technical specifications and/or sample quantities of licensed components for development purposes, please apply for the MFi Development License. After License execution, you can work with an MFi Manufacturing Licensee who will manufacture the accessory and take responsibility for all program requirements on your company's behalf. To access the list of authorized MFi Manufacturing Licensees, click here.

NO, if you are only developing an app that communicates with external accessory. See FAQ below:

I want to develop an iOS app that communicates with an MFi accessory. Do I need to join the MFi Program?

No. iOS app developers do not need to join the MFi Program. Everything app developers need is in the External Accessory Framework, which is provided in the iOS SDK. To access the iOS SDK, please join the iOS Developer Program: https://developer.apple.com/programs/ios/.