“In line with our report from a couple of weeks ago, Apple has just debuted an official program for third-party accessory developers to design and launch bands for the Apple Watch,” Mark Gurman reports for 9to5Mac.
“Like the MFi program for iPhone, iPads, and iPod accessories, this new program is called ‘Made for Apple Watch,'” Gurman reports. “One of the device’s marquee features is its ability to connect to different straps by way of a standard connector on either side of the Watch, and now, much like with iPhones and iPads, accessory makers will be able to make good use of the product.”
“The guidelines do not mention the hidden diagnostic port that some accessory makers hope to leverage,” Gurman reports. “Today’s announcement additionally does not provide official specifications for developing charging accessories.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Beware any bands claiming to contain external batteries, as use of that 6-pin contact on Apple Watch is not supported by Apple.