Apple’s MFi certification (“Made foriPhone/iPad/iPod”) is a licensed program for developers of hardware and software peripherals for Apple iPad and iPhone. The name was originally an abbreviated version of Made for iPod. This certification covers various device connectors, including headphone jacks and original dock connections Adapter and new Lightning connector, as well as AirPlay support.
Massive use of MagSafe wireless charging for iPhonecell phoneLater, Apple again launched a new magneticAccessoriesThe certification mark is Made for MagSafe, and soon, the 15W MagSafe magnetic wireless charging certification will be officially opened.
Let’s take a look at the new MFi/MFM certification modules added this time:
1. MagSafe protective shell module 2nd generation
Apple applied the new MagSafe magnetic system to the iPhone 12 series released in 2020, and launched the Made for MagSafe certification in October. This category of products includes magnetic wireless chargers, protective covers, car chargers, and cards. Package etc. Among them, the MagSafe protective case is the first batch of MFM certified products that have been mass-produced by third-party brands.
The existing MagSafe magnetic modules on the market are in the form of white flakes with rounded corners. There is a ring pattern on the front with embedded magnets; the back is a self-adhesive design. When using it, you only need to open the mold of the protective case according to the size specified by Apple, and then paste the magnetic module on it.
Compared with the first-generation module, the MagSafe protective shell module only has a slight adjustment in size. At present, it is only a preview version, which will be used to replace the first-generation module after the official launch.
2. Apple Watch fast charging module
On September 15th, Apple held a new product launch conference in the fall of 2021. The new generation of Apple Watch Series 7 launched has improved charging speed. At the same time, Apple has also upgraded the charging structure of the watch and the USB-C fast charging dock to support the fast charging function. Compared with Series 6, the charging speed is increased by 33%. It only takes 45 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%.
The new Apple Watch fast charging module is composed of two parts: induction coil module and control module. MFi companies can assemble it after purchasing the module. In addition, when the module is installed vertically in the product (>45°), the alignment error between the center of the Apple Watch and the center of the induction coil module must be within ±1.0mm, which is much wider than the original ±0.3mm.
3. MagSafe charger module
Apple’s existing Made For MagSafe certified magnetic wireless charging module is in the shape of a flat round pie. The back is encapsulated by a metal shield, and the front is equipped with a pure white cover, which is fixed with glue on a circle of magnets on the edge of the wireless charging.
The newly added MagSafe charger C222X module, canceling the original cover, allows MFi manufacturers to hide the module completely in the product, maintain the consistency of product appearance, greatly increase design flexibility, and allow MFi manufacturers to develop more Differential products.
4. MagSafe charger module with enhanced magnetic force
In addition to the C222X wireless charging module, Apple also launched a magnetically enhanced version of the MagSafe wireless charging module, which is designed for mobile source/battery packs and bracket products for car chargers. The adsorption is tighter.
5. Lightning connector C189
It is understood that in addition to the four MagSafe wireless charging modules, a C189 connector has been added this time, which is a low-profile version of the original C89 and supports up to 12W (5V2.4A) power. It is worth noting that C189 and C89 can be used interchangeably in the same product, which means that the original PPID of C89 can use C189 without re-certification.
In the previous standard R31, Apple officially opened the C78 and C79 connectors, and abandoned the C12 and C68 connectors. Since then, Apple’s Lightning heads have only four types: C89, C94, C78, and C79. Among them, C94 and C79 have USB-CC pins to support USB-C Current and PD fast charging.
Summary of charging head network
Since opening the MFi certification channel, Apple has been continuously improving the MFi ecosystem for many years. The products cover all Lightning-related data cables, earphones, mobile power supplies, and Apple Watch magnetic charging docks and other product accessories. It can be said that the MFi ecosystem is quite mature.
On the other hand, in terms of MFM, Apple has only started to build this year, and the corresponding products are not very complete. It can be seen from the five new modules this time, three of which are launched for optimizing design and improving user experience. For example, so far, there are only three options for MagSafe wireless charger modules. They are MagSafe wireless charging modules used in the design of conventional wireless chargers; MagSafe wireless charging modules without coil covers that meet the differentiated design needs of MFi companies Charger modules, and MagSafe wireless charger modules for magnetically enhanced MagSafe used in car mounts, mobile power supplies and other occasions.
Following the MFi ecosystem, Apple is also vigorously developing the MFM ecosystem. This shows that the MFM ecology will play an increasingly important role in the future. Apple can also pass the MFM certification system, select high-quality suppliers, and provide consumers with higher-quality accessories.