Anker Unveils First Ever ‘Made for iPhone’ Certified External Flash

Less than a week after reports indicated that “Made for iPhone” certified strobes were on the way, we have our first official product. Made by Anker—better known for their battery packs—the cube-shaped LED flash is compatible with the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models, and will be available to purchase next month for a reported $50.

As reported by The Verge, Anker’s flash seems to be the first to come out of the official Made for iPhone (MFi) licensing program. This means that it connects to the iPhone via the lightning port rather than Bluetooth, and can sync with the built-in camera app in addition to third party cameras.

According to the product specs, the lightning port connection allows for “tight synchronization” with the iPhone 11’s rear camera, and the flash boasts 2x the range and 4x the brightness of the built-in option. It also comes with a detachable diffuser, can operate in “standalone flashlight mode,” is rated for 10,000 shots per charge, and features its own lightning port for recharging.

As of this writing, the aptly-named “iPhone LED Flash” has not popped up on Anker’s website, but it’s scheduled to be available to order later today for $50. Once it is available, we expect it to show up in the company’s “other” section next to the flashlights and selfie sticks.

Obviously this isn’t the kind of high-end strobe or trigger that we’re hoping for from the recent expansion of the MFi program, but it’s just a first step, and a confirmation that the original report was in fact true. Now let’s wait and see what a proper lighting company like Profoto is able to do with this new capability.

(via 9to5Mac)

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