iOS Sensor Apps with Arduino

Chapter 2. Connecting the iPhone to the Arduino

The arrival of the External Accessory framework with iOS 3 was seen, initially at least, as having the potential to open the iOS platform up to a host of external accessories and additional sensors. Sadly, little of the innovation people were expecting actually occurred, and while there are finally starting to be some interesting products arriving on the market, for the most part the External Accessory framework is being used to support a fairly predictable range of audio and video accessories from big-name manufacturers.

The Apple MFi Program

The reason for this lack of innovation is usually laid at the feet of Apple’s Made for iPod (MFi) licensing program. The MFi Program is entirely separate from the Apple Developer Program. Being a registered Apple Developer or a member of the iOS Developer Program does not automatically admit you to the MFi Program. However, to develop hardware accessories that connect to the iPod, iPhone, or iPad, you must be an MFi licensee.

Note

If you are interested in developing your own hardware, more information about the MFi licensing program can be found at http://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/. Licensed developers gain access to technical documentation, hardware components, and technical support that will allow them to build external hardware that can connect to the iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

Unfortunately, becoming a member of the MFi program is not as simple as signing up as an Apple Developer, and it ...