LAS VEGAS — Haier has announced that its Tianzun air conditioner is the first appliance to be authorized and certified by Apple’s Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad (MFi) program. With this certification, users can use their iPhone, iPod, or iPad to control their air conditioner via a companion app.

The MFi program is Apple’s technology authorization program mainly for third-party hardware products. The Tianzun air conditioner connects to any iOS mobile device automatically, allowing for quick and easy control of the a/c unit. Haier noted that Apple has very strict testing standards for the MFi program regarding product design, quality, and compatibility. The certification eliminates complex setup and “will upgrade the user experience.”