Starting May 7, 2024, Sonos users around the world will benefit from a completely redesigned app, designed to simplify audio control and make the software experience cleaner. This new design will be available for free for iOS and Android users.
Rather than categorizing everything into five tabs, more than 100 services will be available on a redesigned home screen. Features like “Recently Played,” “Your Services,” and “Current Trending” will all be available in one place.
Users can change the order of features displayed for a more personalized experience. They can also pin their favorite playlists, artists and services to the home screen for quick and easy access. Additionally, there is also a brand new dark mode for the app for those who prefer this style. Of course, the existing white version will remain an option.
This update comes four years after the launch of the Sonos S2 application. This came with some compatibility issues, meaning it didn’t work with some older speakers and devices, but there are no such concerns with this version as far as we know.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
The all-in-one search bar allows users to search for a song, artist, audiobook or podcast across all favorite streaming apps in one go. Users who set a preferred streaming service (such as Spotify) will see results from that platform appear at the top of their search.
Swiping up from the bottom of the Home screen provides an overview of all the devices in your system and the room they are assigned to, as well as information such as battery life (if applicable). these are portable models like the Sonos Move 2).
You can use the app to select different tracks for different rooms, group speakers, or adjust volume levels for each speaker.
Alongside the mobile app interface, a completely new web app will be launched, which will replace the existing one. This will include all of the same features you’ll find on your smartphone app, although all speaker setup will still need to be done from your handset.
App preferences will be configured directly on devices, so different household members can have their own preferred experience with their shared Sonos ecosystem.
Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos, explains how the new apps will benefit users: “After extensive development and testing, we are confident that this redesigned app is simpler, faster and better. This once again raises the bar for the at-home music listening experience and strengthens our ability to expand into new categories and experiences.
Updating the S2 app will come at no additional cost to users, and a Sonos spokesperson confirmed that users will have the choice to download if automatic updates are turned off on their phone. However, the company strongly encourages its download to avoid any bugs.
The update also supports all products that currently work with the S2 app, while the existing S1 app will remain the same.
Tech Radar’s Matt Bolton asked the company if a new widget would come with the app update, but that’s not something Sonos is considering at the moment.
If you’re looking for a new product to add to your home, you can check out our chart of the best Sonos speakers.
