Bose kills SoundTouch and speakers lose smart functionality

In October 2025, 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.

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.

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.

In 2020, Bose discontinued SoundTouch product sales but stated it would "support both the SoundTouch app and product software for the foreseeable future."

Incident

On October 9, 2025, Bose announced it would discontinue cloud support for all SoundTouch products effective February 18, 2026. The announcement gave customers 129 days notice before the shutdown.

Affected products

All SoundTouch products are affected, including:

• Standalone speakers: SoundTouch 10, 20 Series II and III, 30 Series II and III, and SoundTouch Portable
• Soundbars: SoundTouch 300
• Home theater systems: SoundTouch 120, 130, CineMate 120, 130, 220, 520
• Lifestyle systems: Models 135, 235, 525, 535, 550, 600, and 650
• Accessories: SoundTouch wireless adapter, Wave SoundTouch wireless pedestal, SoundTouch SA-5 amplifier

Lost functionality

After February 18, 2026, affected devices will lose:

• All streaming service integrations via the SoundTouch app
• Multiroom audio synchronization
• App-based control from smartphones and tablets
• Preset management and programming
• Wi-Fi music streaming from personal libraries
• Security updates and firmware patches

Bluetooth, AUX, and HDMI inputs are expected to continue functioning, though Bose stated it "cannot guarantee long-term performance." The status of AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect has not been confirmed by Bose.

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.

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."

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.

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."

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."

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.

Multiple users requested that Bose release the SoundTouch SDK as open-source software to allow community maintenance of support. Bose has not responded to these requests.