Apple forces MFi partners to protect iPhones from 1m drops

Dec 12, 2014 15:17 GMT  ·  By

Out of the blue today a report emerged saying something about Apple requiring MFi partners to design their protective iPhone cases in such a way that they will keep the phone from cracking if dropped from a height of 1 meter (about 3 feet).

The MFi licensing program allows accessory makers to “get the hardware components, tools, documentation, technical support, and certification logos needed to create AirPlay audio accessories and electronic accessories that connect to iPod, iPhone, and iPad.”

Bluntly put, Apple gives its seal of approval. If you have MFi stamped on your accessories, people will trust that these products live up to Apple’s standards and are therefore reliable.

Apple has yet to make the 1-meter-drop spec official, but according to 9to5mac, the company has already started to enforce this requirement onto accessory vendors. This, and also not to use some restricted substances, such as Formaldehyde, PFOS, PFOA, PBDE, PBB, and Phthalates. Right. I have a question now:

Why doesn’t Apple just bundle a bumper?

Honestly, is it too hard to cram a thin band of silicone next to the charger, the USB cable, and the headphones inside that generously proportioned box? Here’s a thought: why not wrap it around the headphone case? Even better, the phone itself.

I know I’m rooting for something that doesn’t constitute a general practice for any smartphone vendor, not just Apple. But I’m still baffled that the company will require such strictness from case makers, as if it’s their responsibility to prevent iPhones from cracking, yet Apple itself won’t lift so much as one finger to help prevent that from happening out-of-the-box. At least this guy in Perth, Western Australia, would agree.

First-ever iPhone 6 was bought in Australia, dropped seconds after unboxing
First-ever iPhone 6 was bought in Australia, dropped seconds after unboxing

Those were the days

Remember when the original iPhone came out? Yes, the bulky one that didn’t do 3G, didn’t support wallpapers, didn’t have an App Store, but still revolutionized the entire mobile industry. Well, the original Apple iPhone shipped with all the stuff that comes in the box today, plus a very thoughtful dock that let the user mount it on a nightstand or whatever. That accessory alone costs $40 (€40) today.

You can buy a used car for the price of a 128GB iPhone 6 Plus, honestly. The least Apple could bundle is a rubber band or a screen cover. Anything! If only just to show the customer that their investment, trust, and loyalty are deeply appreciated at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California. And no, the stickers don’t count.

Disclaimer

This is a Personal Thoughts piece reflecting the author’s personal opinion on matters relating to Apple and / or the products associated with the Apple brand. This article should not be taken as the official stance of Softpedia on Apple-related matters.

Cracked iPhone 6, bumpers (4 Images)

iPhone 6 with cracked screen
iPhone bumpersBumper
+1more