MIDI 2.0 is an extension of MIDI 1.0. It does not replace MIDI 1.0 but builds on the core principles, architecture, and semantics of MIDI 1.0.

A foundational architecture for MIDI 2.0 expansion is defined by the MIDI Capability Inquiry (MIDI-CI) specification. MIDI-CI allows Devices with bidirectional communication to agree to use extended MIDI capabilities beyond those already defined in MIDI 1.0, while carefully protecting backward compatibility.

MIDI 2.0 is not a stand-alone specification. Manufacturers and developers must have a thorough understanding of MIDI 1.0 in order to implement MIDI 2.0. 

It included sections on the following extensions to MIDI which have been separated for individual download.

• General MIDI
• Standard MIDI Files
• MIDI Show Control
• MIDI Machine Control
• MIDI Time Code

The original MIDI 1.0 Specification called for using a 5-Pin DIN cable to connect MIDI compatible devices, but today there are many different "transports" capable of carrying MIDI data, and the specification for 5-Pin DIN has been updated.

Some of the transport specifications for MIDI were developed in conjunction with other organizations (typically those who control the specification for that particular transport). Below are descriptions of all MMA-approved alternate transport specifications and where to get the document.

Official MIDI file format specifications.

• Standard MIDI Files
• DLS: Downloadable Sounds
• XMF: eXtensible Music Format
• Mobile MIDI formats

These developer white papers  are documents created by the MMA that are not MIDI specifications, but documents to help developers and content creators take advantage of MIDI to provide increased interoperability.