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My company creates hardware accessories that are approved through MFi. With iOS 5, Apple has finally made Bluetooth open to BLE devices without using the ExternalAccessory framework. 

I have been unable to find any information on MFi about using CoreBluetooth. 

My question is: Can accessories and apps be created using CB but not use the an authentication chip and still be able to have Made for iPod / iPhone / iPad badges? 

As far as I can tell the certification process has not changed to accommodate CB-only apps and accessories. Any information is appreciated. 

Obviously I'm not expecting people to post MFi information that violates the agreement. I'm simply looking for a general answer and ideally a link or document name to an MFi document that is eluding me. 

jhonkola
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logancautrell
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  • Your question is a legal one, not a programming one. Traditionally, SO frowns on those types of questions. Apple would be the one to ask in this case. And, having delt with the MFi people, I know they will get on the phone to speak with you if you need to ask something like this. – Steve Oct 22 '11 at 04:36

2 Answers2

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This is not an authoritative answer but as far as I know, you can only use the badge if Apple has certified your device, which can only happen if you're in the MFi program. Apple will not allow you into the MFi program if your device only uses CoreBluetooth. And you can only use the authentication chip if you're in MFi.

So I think that no, you cannot use the badge with any arbitrary Bluetooth product. You can only use it with MFi certified products.

Jason Harris
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CoreBluetooth is only for BTLE. MFI is for Classic Bluetooth apps.

Dru Freeman
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