For those of you who (1) don’t know or (2) don’t care, there is actually something known as the Apple tax. Much like the Windows tax, the Apple tax is levied on all iPod accessory makers who want to include the ubiquitous “Made for iPod” sticker on their products.

A recent patent filing by the Cupertino-based company, shows how Apple can make iPhone accessory manufacturers become part of the “Made for iPhone” program. This feature would allow the iPhone to scan the accessory and match it to its directory of established iPhone tax companies. If the company is not part of the program, a warning message will be sent to the iPhone screen telling the owner that its use may not be safe. And much like its iPod brother, the “Made for iPhone” sticker will cost the respective accessory maker a cool 10% per sale.

Via [Unwired View]