Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment - Revision history

Tempo123: /* References */ AT -> IA; archive

2026-05-20T14:54:10Z

References: AT -> IA; archive

ChaoticDev: Added more info.

2026-05-06T21:57:58Z

Added more info.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:57, 6 May 2026
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	In October 2025, [[Bose\|Bose Corporation]] announced that it would end cloud support for its entire SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The decision sparked widespread consumer backlash, as owners of the smart multiroom audio systems, sold between 2013 and 2020, would lose access to streaming services, app control, and multiroom functionality that formed the products' core value proposition.		In October 2025, [[Bose\|Bose Corporation]] announced that it would end cloud support for its entire SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The decision sparked widespread consumer backlash, as owners of the smart multiroom audio systems, sold between 2013 and 2020, would lose access to streaming services, app control, and multiroom functionality that formed the products' core value proposition.

	On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised end-of-life plan, including three more months of cloud support, one final app update to allow some continued functionality without cloud support, and publicly available API documentation. ~~The~~ new end of service date is '''May 6, 2026'''.<ref name=":0" />		On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised end-of-life plan, including three more months of cloud support, one final app update to allow some continued functionality without cloud support, and publicly available API documentation. With the new end of service date becoming '''May 6, 2026'''.<ref name=":0" />

	==Background==		==Background==
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	===Lost functionality===		===Lost functionality===
	After May 6, 2026 (originally February 18), affected devices ~~will lose~~:<ref name=":0" />		After May 6, 2026 (originally February 18), affected devices lost:<ref name=":0" />

	*All ~~streaming service integrations via~~ the SoundTouch app		*All features that require the SoundTouch app. Which include:
	*Preset management and programming<!-- ~~can someone explain what~~ this ~~means? is it equalizer settings?~~ -->		** Preset management and programming
			*** Using the buttons 1 through 6 on for example the SoundTouch Series 30.
			** The ability to set or change the internet connection settings.
			*** As a side-effect, SoundTouch devices without an internet connection set before May 6 are now permanently stuck throwing up no internet connection errors, which includes the device lighting up in an orange colour even when turned off on some of the SoundTouch devices. <!--I own the series 30, so I'll add a picture of this later.-->
	*Security updates and firmware patches		*Security updates and firmware patches

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	*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.		*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.
	*The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud.		*The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud.
			** The SoundTouch app does still require outdated android versions to run, rendering the app unusable on most modern devices.
	*Airplay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6.		*Airplay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6.
	*The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available.		*The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available.

Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-16T06:21:00Z

Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:21, 16 February 2026
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	==='''January revision'''===		==='''January revision'''===
	On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised plan for the end of SoundTouch cloud service:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch support discontinued \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Bose ~~\|url-status=live~~ \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203230119/https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>		On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised plan for the end of SoundTouch cloud service:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch support discontinued \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Bose \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203230119/https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.		*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.

Banana: Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-16T01:37:58Z

Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:37, 16 February 2026
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	Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities. The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web \|author=Jacobs \|first=Skye \|date=12 October 2025 \|title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" \|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Va6aF \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=Techspot \|publisher=TechSpot}}</ref>		Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities. The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web \|author=Jacobs \|first=Skye \|date=12 October 2025 \|title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" \|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Va6aF \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=Techspot \|publisher=TechSpot}}</ref>

	The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched a new smart product line to supersede SoundTouch, including a separate app, Bose Music.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2018-08-28 \|title=Bose introduces new smart speaker and soundbars \|url=https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Bose}}</ref>		The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched a new smart product line to supersede SoundTouch, including a separate app, Bose Music.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2018-08-28 \|title=Bose introduces new smart speaker and soundbars \|url=https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Bose \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107181302/https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars \|archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref>

	In 2020, Bose discontinued SoundTouch product sales but stated it would "support both the SoundTouch app and product software for the foreseeable future."<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/smart_home/soundtouch_family.html \|title=SoundTouch speakers \|publisher=Bose\|access-date=2025-10-16\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126202244/https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/smart_home/soundtouch_family.html\|archive-date=2020-11-26\|url-status=dead}}</ref>		In 2020, Bose discontinued SoundTouch product sales but stated it would "support both the SoundTouch app and product software for the foreseeable future."<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/smart_home/soundtouch_family.html \|title=SoundTouch speakers \|publisher=Bose\|access-date=2025-10-16\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126202244/https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/smart_home/soundtouch_family.html\|archive-date=2020-11-26\|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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	==='''January revision'''===		==='''January revision'''===
	On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised plan for the end of SoundTouch cloud service:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch support discontinued \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Bose}}</ref>		On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised plan for the end of SoundTouch cloud service:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch support discontinued \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Bose \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203230119/https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.		*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.
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	The announcement generated immediate negative reaction across multiple platforms. On Reddit's r/bose forum, users posted hundreds of angry responses. One customer wrote: "So basically they will become expensive bricks in 6 months. I'm fuming. I have like $3k invested in these. Been Bose customer for over 40 years. Will never buy from them again."<ref name="register">{{cite web \|author=Speed \|first=Richard \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb \|url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/BQVdO \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=The Register \|publisher=The Register}}</ref>		The announcement generated immediate negative reaction across multiple platforms. On Reddit's r/bose forum, users posted hundreds of angry responses. One customer wrote: "So basically they will become expensive bricks in 6 months. I'm fuming. I have like $3k invested in these. Been Bose customer for over 40 years. Will never buy from them again."<ref name="register">{{cite web \|author=Speed \|first=Richard \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb \|url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/BQVdO \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=The Register \|publisher=The Register}}</ref>

	A Change.org petition was started, urging Bose to maintain SoundTouch support and rapidly gaining over 1000 signatures. It characterized the decision as "planned obsolescence" that "devalues considerable financial investments" and called Bose's offered compensation "largely a consolation."<ref name="changeorg">{{cite web \|url=https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support \|title=Urge Bose to maintain SoundTouch cloud support \|publisher=Change.org \|date=9 October 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>		A Change.org petition was started, urging Bose to maintain SoundTouch support and rapidly gaining over 1000 signatures. It characterized the decision as "planned obsolescence" that "devalues considerable financial investments" and called Bose's offered compensation "largely a consolation."<ref name="changeorg">{{cite web \|url=https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support \|title=Urge Bose to maintain SoundTouch cloud support \|publisher=Change.org \|date=9 October 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213084042/https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support \|archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	Bloomberg reported on customer Richard Lomas, whose aunt and uncle in their 80s rely on SoundTouch presets for entertainment at their assisted living facility. Lomas stated the elderly relatives have dementia and cannot use Bluetooth or AirPlay alternatives. He called the decision a "red line" and said he owns over $1,000 in Bose equipment but would never purchase from the company again.<ref name="bloomberg" />		Bloomberg reported on customer Richard Lomas, whose aunt and uncle in their 80s rely on SoundTouch presets for entertainment at their assisted living facility. Lomas stated the elderly relatives have dementia and cannot use Bluetooth or AirPlay alternatives. He called the decision a "red line" and said he owns over $1,000 in Bose equipment but would never purchase from the company again.<ref name="bloomberg" />

Keith: Keith moved page Bose kills SoundTouch and speakers lose smart functionality to Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment: renamed the article to reflect recent developments

2026-01-14T11:25:26Z

Keith moved page Bose kills SoundTouch and speakers lose smart functionality to Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment: renamed the article to reflect recent developments

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:25, 14 January 2026
(No difference)

Bythmusters: Cleanup and some new content. Distinguished between what was going to happen vs what is happening after end-of-support.

2026-01-10T04:39:15Z

Cleanup and some new content. Distinguished between what was *going to happen* vs what *is happening* after end-of-support.

Show changes

Bythmusters: Challenging this date distance estimate, I got 132 instead of 129 using these two methods: https://www.timeanddate.com/date/durationresult.html?d1=9&m1=10&y1=2025&d2=18&m2=2&y2=2026 https://unix.stackexchange.com/a/24636

2026-01-10T02:39:11Z

Challenging this date distance estimate, I got 132 instead of 129 using these two methods: https://www.timeanddate.com/date/durationresult.html?d1=9&m1=10&y1=2025&d2=18&m2=2&y2=2026 https://unix.stackexchange.com/a/24636

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:39, 10 January 2026
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	==Incident==		==Incident==
	On October 9, 2025, Bose announced it would discontinue cloud support for all SoundTouch products effective February 18, 2026.<ref name="bose">{{cite web \|title=SoundTouch Cloud Service Ending \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251026223447/https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=Bose}}</ref> The announcement gave customers ~~129~~ days notice before the shutdown.		On October 9, 2025, Bose announced it would discontinue cloud support for all SoundTouch products effective February 18, 2026.<ref name="bose">{{cite web \|title=SoundTouch Cloud Service Ending \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251026223447/https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=Bose}}</ref> The announcement gave customers 132 days notice before the shutdown.

	===Affected products===		===Affected products===

Bythmusters: Updated cargo description, fixed citation placement

2026-01-10T02:37:18Z

Updated cargo description, fixed citation placement

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:37, 10 January 2026
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	\|ArticleType=Incident		\|ArticleType=Incident
	\|Type=Cloud Lockout, Service Termination, Planned Obsolesence, Abandonware		\|Type=Cloud Lockout, Service Termination, Planned Obsolesence, Abandonware
	\|Description=Bose ~~ends~~ cloud support for SoundTouch products, ~~removing functionality. Later~~ releases ~~patch~~ and ~~releases software source code~~		\|Description=Bose announces end of cloud support for SoundTouch products, but releases API documentation and promises to leave non-cloud features intact.}}
	}}
	In October 2025, [[Bose\|Bose Corporation]] announced that it would end cloud support for its entire SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The decision sparked widespread consumer backlash, as owners of the smart multiroom audio systems, sold between 2013 and 2020, would lose access to streaming services, app control, and multiroom functionality that formed the products' core value proposition.		In October 2025, [[Bose\|Bose Corporation]] announced that it would end cloud support for its entire SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The decision sparked widespread consumer backlash, as owners of the smart multiroom audio systems, sold between 2013 and 2020, would lose access to streaming services, app control, and multiroom functionality that formed the products' core value proposition.

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	==Background==		==Background==
	Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web \|author=Jacobs \|first=Skye \|date=12 October 2025 \|title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" \|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Va6aF \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=Techspot \|publisher=TechSpot}}</ref> ~~The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.~~		Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities. The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web \|author=Jacobs \|first=Skye \|date=12 October 2025 \|title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" \|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Va6aF \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=Techspot \|publisher=TechSpot}}</ref>

	The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched its newer Bose Music app for a new product line, which was not designed to support SoundTouch devices.		The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched its newer Bose Music app for a new product line, which was not designed to support SoundTouch devices.

Bythmusters: Edited categories. If there's a category something like "resolved amicably", this should probably be added

2026-01-08T00:13:15Z

Edited categories. If there's a category something like "resolved amicably", this should probably be added

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:13, 8 January 2026
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	The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.		The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.

	=== '''January Update''' ===		==='''January Update'''===
	On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised plan for the end of SoundTouch cloud service:<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch support discontinued \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Bose}}</ref>		On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised plan for the end of SoundTouch cloud service:<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch support discontinued \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Bose}}</ref>

	* The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6		*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6
	* The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud		*The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud
	* Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6		*Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6
	* The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available		*The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
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	[[Category:Bose]]		[[Category:Bose]]
	~~[[Category:Ongoing events]]~~
	[[Category:Service cancellation]]		[[Category:Service cancellation]]
	[[Category:Planned obsolescence]]		[[Category:Planned obsolescence]]
			[[Category:Cloud service dependency]]

Bythmusters: I did some work, but the whole article still needs to be refactored in response to recent news, ideally while preserving the initial grievances. Marked the incident as resolved and updated descriptions in cargo.

2026-01-08T00:09:37Z

I did some work, but the whole article still needs to be refactored in response to recent news, ideally while preserving the initial grievances. Marked the incident as resolved and updated descriptions in cargo.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:09, 8 January 2026
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	~~{{OngoingEvent}}~~
	{{IncidentCargo		{{IncidentCargo
	\|Company=Bose		\|Company=Bose
	\|StartDate=2025-10-09		\|StartDate=2025-10-09
	\|EndDate=		\|EndDate=2026-01-07
	\|Status=~~Active~~		\|Status=Resolved
	\|ProductLine=Bose SoundTouch		\|ProductLine=Bose SoundTouch
	\|Product=Bose SoundTouch		\|Product=Bose SoundTouch
	\|ArticleType=Incident		\|ArticleType=Incident
	\|Type=Cloud ~~lockout •~~ Service Termination • Planned Obsolesence • Abandonware		\|Type=Cloud Lockout, Service Termination, Planned Obsolesence, Abandonware
	\|Description=Bose ends cloud support for SoundTouch products, removing ~~smart~~ functionality ~~with no migration path to current ecosystem~~		\|Description=Bose ends cloud support for SoundTouch products, removing functionality. Later releases patch and releases software source code
	}}		}}
	In October 2025, [[Bose\|Bose Corporation]] announced that it would end cloud support for its entire SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The decision sparked widespread consumer backlash as owners of the smart multiroom audio systems, sold between 2013 and 2020, would lose streaming services, app control, and multiroom functionality that formed the products' core value proposition.		In October 2025, [[Bose\|Bose Corporation]] announced that it would end cloud support for its entire SoundTouch product line on February 18, 2026. The decision sparked widespread consumer backlash, as owners of the smart multiroom audio systems, sold between 2013 and 2020, would lose access to streaming services, app control, and multiroom functionality that formed the products' core value proposition.

			On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised end-of-life plan, including three more months of cloud support, one final app update to allow some continued functionality without cloud support, and publicly available API documentation.

	==Background==		==Background==
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	*Security updates and firmware patches		*Security updates and firmware patches

	Bluetooth, AUX, and HDMI inputs are expected to continue functioning, though Bose stated it "cannot guarantee long-term performance."<ref name="register">{{cite web \|author=Speed \|first=Richard \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb \|url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/BQVdO \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=The Register \|publisher=The Register}}</ref> The status of AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect ~~has not been confirmed~~ by Bose.		Bluetooth, AUX, and HDMI inputs are expected to continue functioning, though Bose stated it "cannot guarantee long-term performance".<ref name="register">{{cite web \|author=Speed \|first=Richard \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb \|url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/BQVdO \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=The Register \|publisher=The Register}}</ref> The status of AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect were initially unconfirmed by Bose, but they later announced that these features would continue to function following the end-of-life date.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead of end-of-life \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/bose-open-sources-its-soundtouch-home-theater-smart-speakers-ahead-of-eol/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

	==Bose's response==		==Bose's response==
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	The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.		The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.

			=== '''January Update''' ===
			On January 7, 2026, Bose emailed their customers with a revised plan for the end of SoundTouch cloud service:<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch support discontinued \|url=https://www.bose.com/soundtouch-end-of-life \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Bose}}</ref>

			* The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6
			* The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud
			* Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6
			* The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 20 May 2026
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	==Background==		==Background==
	Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities. The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web \|author=Jacobs \|first=Skye \|date=12 October 2025 \|title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" \|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/~~Va6aF~~ \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=Techspot \|publisher=TechSpot}}</ref>		Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities. The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web \|author=Jacobs \|first=Skye \|date=12 October 2025 \|title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" \|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013025252/https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html \|archive-date=13 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=Techspot \|publisher=TechSpot}}</ref>

	The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched a new smart product line to supersede SoundTouch, including a separate app, Bose Music.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2018-08-28 \|title=Bose introduces new smart speaker and soundbars \|url=https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Bose \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107181302/https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars \|archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref>		The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched a new smart product line to supersede SoundTouch, including a separate app, Bose Music.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2018-08-28 \|title=Bose introduces new smart speaker and soundbars \|url=https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Bose \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107181302/https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars \|archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref>
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	*All features that require the SoundTouch app. Which include:		*All features that require the SoundTouch app. Which include:
	** Preset management and programming		**Preset management and programming
	*** Using the buttons 1 through 6 on for example the SoundTouch Series 30.		***Using the buttons 1 through 6 on for example the SoundTouch Series 30.
	** The ability to set or change the internet connection settings.		**The ability to set or change the internet connection settings.
	*** As a side-effect, SoundTouch devices without an internet connection set before May 6 are now permanently stuck throwing up no internet connection errors, which includes the device lighting up in an orange colour even when turned off on some of the SoundTouch devices. <!--I own the series 30, so I'll add a picture of this later.-->		***As a side-effect, SoundTouch devices without an internet connection set before May 6 are now permanently stuck throwing up no internet connection errors, which includes the device lighting up in an orange colour even when turned off on some of the SoundTouch devices.<!--I own the series 30, so I'll add a picture of this later.-->
	*Security updates and firmware patches		*Security updates and firmware patches

	Although originally unconfirmed, in the January 7 revision, Bose has stated that Airplay and Spotify Connect would continue to function as inputs alongside AUX and Bluetooth.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead of end-of-life \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/bose-open-sources-its-soundtouch-home-theater-smart-speakers-ahead-of-eol/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Additionally, Bose confirmed that multi-room audio synchronization and app-based remote control will function as normal after the end-of-service date.<ref name=":0" />		Although originally unconfirmed, in the January 7 revision, Bose has stated that Airplay and Spotify Connect would continue to function as inputs alongside AUX and Bluetooth.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead of end-of-life \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/bose-open-sources-its-soundtouch-home-theater-smart-speakers-ahead-of-eol/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260502175639/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/bose-open-sources-its-soundtouch-home-theater-smart-speakers-ahead-of-eol/ \|archive-date=2 May 2026 \|access-date=2026-01-07 \|website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Additionally, Bose confirmed that multi-room audio synchronization and app-based remote control will function as normal after the end-of-service date.<ref name=":0" />

	==Bose's response==		==Bose's response==
	Bose justified the discontinuation by citing technical limitations and infrastructure costs. The company stated that SoundTouch systems have been "stretched to their technical limits in terms of memory and processing power" and that maintaining "the performance and security our customers expect" is no longer possible.<ref name="techbook">{{cite web \|author=Szymanski \|first=Przemyslaw \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose Discontinues Support for Popular Speakers and Soundbars \|url=https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251026224505/https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=TECHBOOK Magazine}}</ref>		Bose justified the discontinuation by citing technical limitations and infrastructure costs. The company stated that SoundTouch systems have been "stretched to their technical limits in terms of memory and processing power" and that maintaining "the performance and security our customers expect" is no longer possible.<ref name="techbook">{{cite web \|author=Szymanski \|first=Przemyslaw \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose Discontinues Support for Popular Speakers and Soundbars \|url=https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251026224505/https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars \|archive-date=26 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=TECHBOOK Magazine}}</ref>

	Bose is offering affected customers up to $200 in trade-in credit depending on model and condition, along with a 25% discount on new purchases. The company sent personalized apologies to some high-profile complainants, with customer Richard Lomas receiving an email acknowledging that current products "may not replicate the exact SoundTouch experience."<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web \|author=Welch \|first=Chris \|date=10 October 2025 \|title=Bose Angers Customers By Ending Cloud Streaming for Old Speakers \|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-10/bose-angers-customers-by-ending-cloud-streaming-for-old-speakers \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/~~9bQWJ~~ \|archive-date=~~10 Oct 2025~~ \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref>		Bose is offering affected customers up to $200 in trade-in credit depending on model and condition, along with a 25% discount on new purchases. The company sent personalized apologies to some high-profile complainants, with customer Richard Lomas receiving an email acknowledging that current products "may not replicate the exact SoundTouch experience."<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web \|author=Welch \|first=Chris \|date=10 October 2025 \|title=Bose Angers Customers By Ending Cloud Streaming for Old Speakers \|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-10/bose-angers-customers-by-ending-cloud-streaming-for-old-speakers \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.org/details/bose-angers-customers-by-ending-cloud-streaming-for-old-speakers-bloomberg \|archive-date=20 May 2026 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref>

	The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.{{Citation needed}}		The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.{{Citation needed}}
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	*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.		*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6.
	*The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud.		*The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud.
	** The SoundTouch app does still require outdated android versions to run, rendering the app unusable on most modern devices.		**The SoundTouch app does still require outdated android versions to run, rendering the app unusable on most modern devices.
	*Airplay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6.		*Airplay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6.
	*The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available.		*The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available.

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	The announcement generated immediate negative reaction across multiple platforms. On Reddit's r/bose forum, users posted hundreds of angry responses. One customer wrote: "So basically they will become expensive bricks in 6 months. I'm fuming. I have like $3k invested in these. Been Bose customer for over 40 years. Will never buy from them again."<ref name="register">{{cite web \|author=Speed \|first=Richard \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb \|url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/~~BQVdO~~ \|archive-date=~~26 Oct 2025~~ \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=The Register \|publisher=The Register}}</ref>		The announcement generated immediate negative reaction across multiple platforms. On Reddit's r/bose forum, users posted hundreds of angry responses. One customer wrote: "So basically they will become expensive bricks in 6 months. I'm fuming. I have like $3k invested in these. Been Bose customer for over 40 years. Will never buy from them again."<ref name="register">{{cite web \|author=Speed \|first=Richard \|date=13 October 2025 \|title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb \|url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260514092112/https://www.theregister.com/on-prem/2025/10/13/bose-kills-soundtouch-smart-speakers-go-dumb-in-feb/573381 \|archive-date=14 May 2026 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|website=The Register \|publisher=The Register}}</ref>

	A Change.org petition was started, urging Bose to maintain SoundTouch support and rapidly gaining over 1000 signatures. It characterized the decision as "planned obsolescence" that "devalues considerable financial investments" and called Bose's offered compensation "largely a consolation."<ref name="changeorg">{{cite web \|url=https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support \|title=Urge Bose to maintain SoundTouch cloud support \|publisher=Change.org \|date=9 October 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213084042/https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support \|archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref>		A Change.org petition was started, urging Bose to maintain SoundTouch support and rapidly gaining over 1000 signatures. It characterized the decision as "planned obsolescence" that "devalues considerable financial investments" and called Bose's offered compensation "largely a consolation."<ref name="changeorg">{{cite web \|url=https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support \|title=Urge Bose to maintain SoundTouch cloud support \|publisher=Change.org \|date=9 October 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213084042/https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support \|archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref>
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	Multiple users requested that Bose release the SoundTouch SDK as open-source software to allow community maintenance of support.<ref name="hackaday">{{cite web \|author=Posh \|first=Maya \|date=11 October 2025 \|title=Bose SoundTouch Smart WiFi Speakers Are About To Go Dumb \|url=https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012144003/https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ \|archive-date=12 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=Hackaday}}</ref>		Multiple users requested that Bose release the SoundTouch SDK as open-source software to allow community maintenance of support.<ref name="hackaday">{{cite web \|author=Posh \|first=Maya \|date=11 October 2025 \|title=Bose SoundTouch Smart WiFi Speakers Are About To Go Dumb \|url=https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012144003/https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ \|archive-date=12 Oct 2025 \|access-date=16 October 2025 \|publisher=Hackaday}}</ref>

	=== January revision ===		===January revision===
	The end-of-life plan revision was met with some excitement and confusion on r/bose. Some users expressed excitement with the open source API, while others showed confusion on how an open source API will help average consumers. Overall, it was a positive shift in sentiment, with several people saying they have changed their mind on never buying Bose products again.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch Shutdown Update \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q6f3fc/bose_soundtouch_shutdown_update/ \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-09 \|title=PCWorld: Bose goes open source with its aging SoundTouch speakers \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q81fwl/pcworld_bose_goes_open_source_with_its_aging/ \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>		The end-of-life plan revision was met with some excitement and confusion on r/bose. Some users expressed excitement with the open source API, while others showed confusion on how an open source API will help average consumers. Overall, it was a positive shift in sentiment, with several people saying they have changed their mind on never buying Bose products again.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-07 \|title=Bose SoundTouch Shutdown Update \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q6f3fc/bose_soundtouch_shutdown_update/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260520145054/https://old.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q6f3fc/bose_soundtouch_shutdown_update/ \|archive-date=20 May 2026 \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-01-09 \|title=PCWorld: Bose goes open source with its aging SoundTouch speakers \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q81fwl/pcworld_bose_goes_open_source_with_its_aging/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260520144935/https://old.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q81fwl/pcworld_bose_goes_open_source_with_its_aging/ \|archive-date=20 May 2026 \|access-date=2026-01-09 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==