I see that @d_Wooluf brought up the prospective FCC rule-making back in December 2023, and now it’s come to pass. FCC (USA) deliberations on hearing aid compatibility in phones
There was an article in February 2024 in Hearing Review that mentioned the “new” Bluetooth technology, which would be required after a transition period, would be BT LE Audio and Auracast. But the Hearing Review editor thought the emphasis on smartphones left a good segment of the population out that didn’t use smartphones, etc.: Making All Phones Hearing Aid Compatible | The Hearing Review.
But the FCC text “all mobile handsets” sounds pretty inclusive, so they’ll have to find a way to provide Auracast control on flip phones, etc.
Twenty-seven percent of the U.S. still uses a landline, traditional or VOIP (57% of the 27% if VOIP). Data Reveals Landline Phone Decline Statistics - Chamber Of Commerce
Perhaps the FCC thinks eventually everyone will use a cell phone, so they don’t need to standardize or have HA-compatibility for landlilnes?
If it holds up, the best part of the FCC rule-making means Apple has to switch to BT LE Audio, for sure.