Submitting an app that requires other hardware

[KateToo]

Hi,
We're working on an application which uses an iPhone to control another device over wifi. The app recieves video (HTTP Live Streaming) and other data (TCP/IP), and sends commands to control the camera (among other things).
My question is ... will an app like this be accepted, since it essentially does nothing without our hardware.

Do they require the hardware? Anyone done this or know where i can get more information. Trying to get a sense of how long the process is going to take.

Thanks!

[twerner]

hi

there is a drone app out there, where you can fly a drone via iPad...

I would call apple US in your case..

[lukeca]

Obviously you can't really send them the hardware, and there are other apps on the store that require some external hardware. I would just make sure to detail out exactly what the app does, it gives you a space when you submit the app to leave notes for the reviewer. Be clear on what features of the app won't work unless the hardware device is present.

[lgehrig1]

I recall reading, once upon a time, that if your app required specific hardware you had to deliver to Apple, at your cost, said hardware. And something about it never being returned. I went hunting through my contracts but couldn't confirm.

If it's brand-new hardware and you want a "Made for iPhone" logo on it, I'm thinking you have to sign up for MFi, at which point you'd probably find an answer to your question.

OTOH - you're using TCP/IP? Does the user specify an IP address, or is it Bonjour discovered or something? I'm thinking that maybe if you simply setup a camera in your DMZ and gave them the pinter for control that they wouldn't need much more than that. Don't give them a brick wall to stare at, but don't give them your op center either Maybe a camera in your hallway - but hang a big sign telling people Apple is watching!

[Adam21e]

lgehrig1 is probably right about you just need to set the hardware/camera up in a DMZ and provide them the IP to test it.

Though I would point the camera out a window, something with a view.

[KateToo]

Thanks lgehrig1, that's an interesting idea. We have a simulator anyway, to test with - we could add to that and that would be what Apple would test against.
It obviously won't function the same as the vehicle, but if Apple can test all the functionality hopefully that will be sufficient.