Working with Accessories
Learn about the requirements for building accessories that work well with Apple devices. Discover technologies you can use in your apps to interact with accessories built for Apple devices.
Designing Accessories
Well-designed cases, covers, screen overlays, watch bands, camera attachments, and Bluetooth accessories complement Apple devices without interfering with their operation. As you create accessories for Apple products, follow the design guidelines and test your prototypes to make sure they meet the necessary requirements.
Accessory Design Guidelines for Apple Devices Updated June 8, 2026
Accessory Technologies
Apple platforms provide several services used to interact with Apple devices and a wide range of accessories. Learn how to build apps and accessories that deliver the best experience using the latest Apple technologies and industry standards.
AccessorySetupKit
The AccessorySetupKit framework allows your apps to seamlessly and securely pair Bluetooth accessories without relying on access to all nearby Bluetooth accessories, keeping other devices private. Learn more
HomeKit and Matter
Allow users to communicate with and control connected accessories in their home using your app. With the HomeKit or Matter framework, you can provide ways to configure accessories and create actions to control them. Users can even group actions together and trigger them using Siri. Learn more
HealthKit
Integrate HealthKit into your health and fitness apps for iOS and watchOS to create a more seamless user experience. When a customer provides permission for your app to read and write health and activity data to their Health app, your app can deliver deeply informed health and fitness solutions. Learn more
AirPlay
AirPlay allows users to wirelessly stream content from their Apple device. Using Media Player APIs that support AirPlay, you can enrich your apps by allowing users to extend content from their Apple device to Apple TV, HomePod, or AirPlay-compatible speakers. Learn more
AirPrint
It’s easy to deliver photo and document printing in your apps without the need to download or install drivers. AirPrint is built into most popular printer models and offers a complete set of features, including full-quality output, automatic media selection, and enterprise-class finishing options. Learn more
Find My network
Let users locate your products with the Find My network. With hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world, advanced end-to-end encryption, and industry leading security, the Find My network lets users easily locate their belongings in the Find My app with the peace of mind that their privacy is protected. Learn more
Nearby Interactions with UWB
Build apps that interact with accessories simply by being in close proximity to an Apple device that includes Ultra Wideband (UWB) chipset. Taking advantage of UWB technology lets you create more precise, directionally aware app experiences. Learn more
iBeacon
From welcoming people as they arrive at a sporting event to providing information about a nearby museum exhibit, iBeacon opens a new world of possibilities for location awareness, and countless opportunities for interactivity between devices and iBeacon hardware. Learn more
Bluetooth
Create an engaging and connected user experience by integrating Bluetooth® wireless technology in your apps and hardware accessories. And with Core Bluetooth framework, it’s easy for your apps to interact with the growing number of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices. Learn more
Game Controllers
The Game Controller framework supports a wide variety of popular controllers, such as the Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller or the Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller. Adding controller support to your game is an easy way to provide a unified experience across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Learn more
CarPlay
CarPlay is the smarter, safer way for people to use iPhone in the car. CarPlay apps can provide audio, communication, and route guidance features, and help the user locate nearby services. Vehicles can integrate support for CarPlay on their primary display and show route information in their instrument cluster. Learn more
Get Started
Find resources and programs needed to develop and distribute apps and manufacture accessories that interact with Apple devices.
See if the MFi Program is right for you.
This program provides access to the technical specifications, hardware components, certification tools, and badge artwork needed to develop and manufacture electronic accessories that connect to Apple products using licensed technologies. Learn about the MFi Program
View specs for designing accessories.
If you’re designing accessories, download the Accessory Design Guidelines for specifications on using Bluetooth technologies, creating watch bands, designing cases, and more. Download the Apple Accessory Design Guidelines
Additional Resources
- Learn more about the HomeKit Accessory Protocol Specification (Noncommercial Version)
- Explore Swift Playground
- Learn about Apple technologies
- Download the Apple Accessory Design Guidelines
Developer Tools
Discover valuable resources you can use to improve your coding skills, as well as ways to connect with Apple experts for technical and design guidance. Learn more
Take advantage of documentation.
Apps that use the CarPlay framework can provide audio, communication, and route guidance features, and help people locate nearby services. Learn about CarPlay