> Bose, for example, "requires" an app to be installed. For "updates", they tell you. Updates... to headphones...?!

The headphones work without the app, but the app is required for updates (the headphones have onboard software) and also if you want to manage the multipoint connection capability from your phone (which can be more convenient than doing it from the headphones and each device you want to connect to, but is not necessary to use the feature.)