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MFi Summit Shenzhen: Apple begins accepting product plans for HomeKit accessories

Accessory makers in Apple’s Made-for-iPhone/iPad (MFi) licensing program can now submit HomeKit product plans to Apple for approval, one of the last steps required before products begin hitting store shelves.

The news comes from Apple’s MFi Summit that took place in Shenzhen, China last week. The event, which is closed to the public and only open to those in the MFi program, focused heavily on Apple’s new Siri-controlled HomeKit product this year in addition to announcements related to iBeacon, new Lightning specs, game controllers, and more. First unveiled alongside iOS 8, HomeKit provides accessory makers and app developers in the home automation space a common protocol for pairing, security, and controlling multiple devices through Siri.

Apple officially began accepting product plans for HomeKit products on the last day of the MFi Summit that ended on November 14. The company published finalized specs for HomeKit in late September following a beta mode it was in since first announcing the feature at its developer conference earlier in the year. 

Earlier this month reports claimed required HomeKit-compatible WiFi and Bluetooth chips recently started shipping to accessory makers.

Apple’s HomeKit specs includes the ability for pairing of apps and accessories, security and more for both Bluetooth LE and WiFi-connected products. The HomeKit Accessory Protocol currently includes accessory profiles for controlling a specific set of home automation products with Siri including fans, garage doors, lightbulbs, locks, power outlets, binary switches, and thermostats.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.


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