Report: Apple changes ‘Made for iPod’ fee

In an apparent response to disgruntled iPod accessory makers, Apple has reportedly made changes to its “Made for iPod” licensing program, switching from a percentage-based fee to a flat fee structure. “The initial licensing program was based on Apple taking a percentage of revenue from all products that connected to an Apple 17-pin iPod connector,” reports Smarthouse. “Originally Apple proposed a fee of 1.5% but as the popularity of the iPod increased and sales moved into the tens of millions Apple told organizations like Bose that they had to pay up to 10% of revenue back to Apple for being an official partner of the “Made for iPod” program. Instead, the program has been replaced with a flat $4.00 per unit fee.”