March 6, 2026, 10:48 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Sonos continues to work on its smartphone app and aims to bring back a popular feature for iOS. After a challenging relaunch in spring 2024, the company plans new improvements for operation and navigation. Additionally, a new feature will be available specifically for iPhone.
In spring 2024, Sonos introduced a revamped smartphone app. It was supposed to offer new features and better integrate upcoming devices. However, dissatisfaction quickly emerged after its release. The app was riddled with bugs, and the expected excitement was absent. There were even rumors that Sonos might be sold.
The then-CEO Patrick Spence responded with an open letter to customers and apologized. However, trust in the company noticeably suffered among many customers. Sonos also made personnel changes. Now, with Tom Conrad as the new CEO, he aims to advance the app’s comeback with new features.
Lock Screen Control Returns
A key focus is on better navigation and operation of the app. Conrad said this in an interview with the news agency “Bloomberg.” In the coming months, the app will be further optimized.
The first step is integrating new control surfaces on the lock screen. Android users have been able to use this feature for several weeks. Soon, iPhone users will also be able to catch up. This brings back a popular feature from Sonos.
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Technical Implementation Takes Months
According to Sonos, the implementation is not easy. Technically, the company is implementing the feature via live activity rather than the usual method of lock screen control under iOS. According to the CEO, the endeavor is “trickier than expected” and will take several months.
Sonos has not yet specified a concrete start date. The company does not want to rush anything anymore. Therefore, the manufacturer has also adjusted its rollout strategy. Updates will no longer be released immediately for all customers. Instead, Sonos will initially make changes available to volunteers as part of a kind of test program. The feedback collected there will be more strongly incorporated into further development.