The cleaning tools and kits are to help the installer to clean the dust or water drop on the connector endface so to make sure good connection. cleaning tools,cleaning kits,home cleaning,easy cleaning,effective Huizhou Fibercan Industrial Co.Ltd , https://www.fibercan-network.com
Accessories wins over Apple's alleged MFI certification
ã€Global Network Technology Correspondent Chen Jian】August 29th news, Apple is expected to release the highly anticipated 10th-anniversary edition of the iPhone this fall. All eyes are now on the next generation of iPhones. However, at this crucial moment, a domestic well-known third-party accessory manufacturer, Wins Product, has filed a lawsuit against Apple over alleged monopolistic practices related to its MFi program. This case has already been accepted by the Beijing Intellectual Property Court.
Perhaps many people are unfamiliar with Wins Product. In reality, numerous people have used digital accessories produced by this company. Guangdong Pinsun Electronic Co., Ltd., founded in 2003, has been deeply involved in the research and development of digital peripheral products for many years, including the production of accessories like the iPhone and iPad data cables. However, upon checking the Apple MFi website, it is evident that Wins Product has never received Apple's MFi certification.
In Apple's ecosystem, MFi (Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad) refers to a development and authorization program initiated by Apple for peripheral products of the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. Gaining MFi production licensing permits authorized manufacturers to produce accessories for Apple's products.
On August 28th, Mr. Zhao Guocheng, Chairman of Pinsun, mentioned in a WeChat Moments post that Apple is undoubtedly one of the greatest companies globally. Steve Jobs and Tim Cook are entrepreneurs whom he deeply respects. Nevertheless, even great companies should not infringe on consumer rights. The official Weibo account of Pingsheng Electronics also released a statement stating that on August 28, 2017, Guangdong Pingsheng Electronics Co., Ltd. officially filed a lawsuit against Apple for alleged monopolistic behavior. With over ten years of experience in the 3C component sector, they believe that the mandatory MFi certification does not enhance product safety but rather restricts fair competition in the market for Apple products and their accessories. They hope that Apple will cease its monopolistic practices and compensate them with a symbolic amount of 1 yuan. The Beijing Intellectual Property Court has accepted the case, and users are encouraged to follow this case closely.
As of April 2017, Apple's official list showed that 934 companies had obtained MFi authorization. This is visible in the prominent logo on the market, which is the black-and-white Apple MFi logo on the front of certified product packaging. Apple allows licensees to print authorization labels on their packaging. The more companies receiving MFi certification, the fiercer the competition within the ecosystem becomes. In the MFi authorization process, Apple essentially holds the "life and death" of certified companies. Those who depend heavily on Apple's authorization often find themselves at a disadvantage in this system.
Some industry insiders pointed out that currently, most companies applying for MFi certification are small and medium-sized enterprises. Joining the MFi system results in a loss of autonomy for larger enterprises. Under the MFi system, technical strength tends to become mediocre, leading many capable companies to avoid the certification process.
However, for Apple, MFi certification remains a critical line of defense to ensure user safety. Through MFi certification, manufacturers can create Apple-certified peripherals and utilize Apple's exclusive technologies, such as the Lightning connector. Apple also provides assistance during the product development process. Furthermore, Apple avoids issues related to counterfeit brands and potential threats to user safety. Last year, Apple purchased a large number of power adapters and data cables from Amazon and discovered that most of these items were counterfeit. Apple subsequently filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against these counterfeit suppliers.
Generally speaking, when an iPhone is not charged using an MFi-certified data cable, the following warning message appears: "This cable or accessory is not certified and therefore cannot work reliably with this iPhone; this accessory may not be supported." This happens because the iPhone data cable lacks MFi certification. Products that are not MFi-certified result in a significantly degraded user experience. Regardless of the product's quality, every time the iOS system updates, uncertified products will not function, and in severe cases, could even damage the iPhone.
Nevertheless, some third-party manufacturers have cracked the original chip certification and produced cheaper alternatives. However, Apple maintains strict and mandatory requirements for all authorized distributors. For Apple's functional accessory products, only certified and authorized branded accessory products can be sold. Otherwise, any damage caused to Apple products due to unauthorized accessories will void warranties.
The reasons behind Pingsheng's lawsuit are that Apple's actions primarily aim to protect its own interests. Mandatory MFi certification does not improve product safety but instead restricts fair competition in the market for Apple products and their accessories. They argue that Apple has "damaged consumer rights." What are your thoughts on this?
In conclusion, this ongoing legal battle between Apple and Wins Product highlights broader concerns about monopolistic practices and the balance of power within Apple's ecosystem. As the tech giant continues to dominate the market, smaller players like Wins Product feel constrained by the stringent MFi certification requirements. This case raises important questions about innovation, competition, and consumer protection in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.