While there are thousands of accessories that have been designed specifically for iPod, not all of these are fully compatible with every device. This article outlines the different categories of iPhone, iPod, and iPad accessories, and provides information on troubleshooting accessory and reception issues.
To ensure the best possible experience, Apple has created special compatibility requirements for accessory manufacturers. Products that are engineered and certified to be compatible have a "Made for" label on their package. To ensure compatibility when purchasing third-party accessories for use with your device, look for accessories that are authorized to use the "Made for" label associated with your device (see below).
"Made for iPod" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
"Made for iPhone" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPhone and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
"Made for iPad" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPad and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
"Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect to iPhone, iPad, and iPod models and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
Troubleshooting reception and interference issues
When using many existing iPod accessories that have the "Made for iPod" label with an iPhone, there is a potential for audio interference. When you connect iPhone to one of these accessories, the iPhone may alert you that the accessory was not optimized for the iPhone. To continue using the accessory while avoiding potential interference issues, you may turn on Airplane Mode, which will disable the wireless features of iPhone.
Note: While in Airplane Mode, you will not be able to make or receive calls or use certain features that require wireless communication. For more information about Airplane mode, see this article.
In addition, certain accessories may affect iPhone wireless performance. Reorienting or relocating iPhone and the connected accessory may improve wireless performance.
If interference or reception issues persist, contact the accessory manufacturer to verify which iPhone models the accessory supports.
For more information on accessory troubleshooting, see this article.