Phonak confirms Auracast for existing Infinios

From your video on the release of the EON, it sounds like the implementation/activation of auracast in the Phonak app on IOS (for the EON) will not show the wearer a list of auracast broadcasts available to join, but will require the wearer to scan a QR code to join a broadcast "channel" . This might only be temporary. I understand (think I read on-line) that the licensing of hearing devices that use MFI (made for IOS) instead of classic bluetooth for streaming connection to Apple phones, tablets and computers expires in March. So there might be 1) an update to the Phonak app to allow simple selection from an auracast broadcast list after that for the EON and, hopefully, 2) an opportunity to activate auracast on the existing Audeo Infineo. (This might also explain why WSA is saying they will be implementing auracast through their Widex and Signia apps in March 2027).

Can you explain further your basis for inferring a link between MFI licensing and Auracast functionality? I believe iOS doesn't yet have built-in Auracast functionality, so I'm not sure how MFI would relate to this.

I believe (but don't know for certain) there are stipulations imposed when a manufacturer or product is licensed to have an apple app that limits how links on the app itself can directly operate the apple devices. One way around that limitation seems to be to use the photo system to open a link through a QR code. This way the app, itself, is not providing a link and opening an auracast broadcast. These agreements seem to be renewable on a year-to-year basis. This could be a factor in WSA not implementing activation of auracast through apple apps until March for their Widex and Signia hearing aid apps. It could also be impacting Phonak. I'd like someone, more knowledgeable than me, to help out here.