STAFA, SWITZERLAND — Phonak has announced that its Infinio Ultra Sphere and Virto R Infinio hearing aids have received the 2026 iF DESIGN AWARD, presented by iF International Forum Design. The award recognizes product design, innovation, functionality, and user experience across a wide range of industries.
“We are honored that Infinio Ultra Sphere and Virto R Infinio have been recognized with the 2026 iF Design Award,” said Oliver Frank, Vice President Phonak Marketing.
“This recognition reinforces our dedication to human-centered innovation—where performance, comfort, and design come together to meaningfully improve lives.”
The winners were selected by an independent panel of 129 international design experts. The iF DESIGN AWARD is widely regarded as one of the most recognized global design distinctions, highlighting products that combine aesthetics with functionality and user-centered design. The 2026 competition received more than 10,000 submissions from 68 countries.
Design and Technology in Modern Hearing Aids
The Infinio Ultra Sphere hearing aid incorporates an adaptive AI-based processing system designed to help users navigate complex listening environments. Using a dedicated real-time AI chip, the device analyzes incoming sounds to separate speech from background noise, helping listeners focus on conversation even in dynamic or noisy settings.
The Virto R Infinio represents the latest generation of custom rechargeable hearing aids. The device is designed to provide personalized performance within a discreet form factor, using a precision-crafted shell to achieve a tailored fit.
According to the company, Virto R Infinio also incorporates RightFit technology and Biometric Calibration, which use more than 1,600 data points to map each user’s ear anatomy and acoustic profile.
Since its launch in 2025, the Virto R Infinio has received several industry recognitions, including the 2025 HHTM Hearing Technology Innovator Award and the 2026 Business Intelligence Group (BIG) Innovation Award.
Both devices were recognized by the iF jury for combining advanced technology with usability and industrial design. Design elements cited include streamlined contours, modern finishes, and integrated charging solutions intended to support everyday use.
Global Design Recognition
With nearly 80 years of experience in hearing technology development, Phonak continues to focus on improvements in speech understanding, sound quality, and product design. The 2026 iF DESIGN AWARD highlights the company’s efforts to integrate engineering innovation with user-centered product design.
For more information about Phonak’s Infinio portfolio, visit www.phonak.com.
About Phonak
life is on. Since 1947, Phonak has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss. Seventy-five years later, our passion for creating life-changing hearing solutions that help people thrive physically, socially, and emotionally remains. By offering the industry’s broadest portfolio of hearing solutions, we’re committed to creating a world where “life is on” for everyone.
At Phonak, innovation is not limited to products. We work to change the conversations surrounding people with hearing loss. We do this by fighting the stigma of hearing aids and creating an understanding of how hearing is connected to the broader context of healthy living.
About Sonova
Sonova is a global leader in innovative hearing care solutions: from personal audio devices and wireless communication systems to audiological care services, hearing aids and cochlear implants. The Group was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland. Sonova operates through four businesses – Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing and Cochlear Implants – and the core brands Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (under license) and Advanced Bionics as well as recognized regional brands. The Group’s globally diversified sales and distribution channels serve an ever-growing consumer base in more than 100 countries. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Group generated sales of CHF 3.9 billion, with a net profit of CHF 547 million. Around 18,000 employees are working on achieving Sonova’s vision of a world where everyone enjoys the delight of hearing.
Sonova has a long-standing commitment to innovation and was ranked no. 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025 by Fortune magazine, selected from 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries. For more information, please visit www.sonova.com
Source: Sonova
