Apple MFi FAQ:
https://mfi.apple.com/en/faqs.html
View who does not need to join the MFi Program.
- Developers and manufacturers of non-electronic accessories, including non-MagSafe cases and Apple Watch bands. Get guidelines and resources for designing accessories that do not incorporate MFi licensed technologies.
- Distributors and resellers that want to source or sell MFi accessories as finished goods. MFi finished goods must be sourced from an authorized MFi manufacturer. The MFi Licensee will be authorized to develop/manufacture goods sold under your company's brand and will take responsibility for all program requirements on your company's behalf. The Licensee will also be authorized to include the correct MFi badge on the product packaging and user guide of your accessory, once it has completed the necessary program requirements.
- Developers and manufacturers of accessories that connect to an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy, Core Bluetooth, or standard Bluetooth profiles supported by iOS. Learn more about Bluetooth. (Note: BLE-enabled HomeKit accessories and BLE-enabled MFi Hearing Aids are part of the MFi Program).
- Educational organizations that want to use the MFi technical specifications for teaching purposes. The information shared under the MFi Program is Apple Confidential and is not intended to be used in an academic setting.
- Hobbyists and makers creating smart home accessories can use the non-commercial version of the HomeKit Accessory Protocol Specification.
- Individuals creating accessories for personal use. We recommend using a third-party hobbyist solution to connect iOS devices to serial devices, and to write apps that communicate with these serial devices.
- App developers creating apps that communicate with MFi accessories. App developers should join the Apple Developer Program. However, it is up to the accessory developer or manufacturer to determine whether they wish to authorize specific third-party apps to communicate with their MFi accessories through the External Accessory Framework. App developers should consult with the accessory developer to determine whether to proceed with development of an app that communicates with an MFi accessory using the EA framework.
Steps to follow for App developer and Device developer:
https://usermanual.wiki/Pdf/Guide20to20Submitting20Apps20that20Work20with20Accessories20R2.781218596/help
Some Apple forum discussion:
https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/4905
