Bose Revises SoundTouch End-of-Life Plan, Retains Key Wireless Features
Company releases API documentation and confirms AirPlay, Spotify Connect functionality will persist for older Wi-Fi speakers.
Bose has released the Application Programming Interface (API) documentation for its SoundTouch speakers, offering a new development regarding the impending end-of-life (EoL) for the company’s home audio devices.
The announcement in October stated that SoundTouch Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars would see reduced functionality starting February 18. Initially, Bose indicated these speakers would only operate when connected via AUX, HDMI, or Bluetooth, noting Bluetooth’s higher latency compared to Wi-Fi.
The Framingham, Massachusetts-based company had previously stated that after the EoL date, the devices would cease to receive security and software updates, losing cloud connectivity and access to their dedicated companion app. This would prevent users from integrating with music services like Spotify, playing audio across multiple SoundTouch devices simultaneously, or utilizing and editing saved presets.
This initial announcement drew frustration from many long-time Bose customers, particularly those with multiple SoundTouch devices still in working order. The situation highlighted broader concerns among consumers regarding the practice of rendering expensive products obsolete, often to prioritize new models, reduce costs, or following corporate changes like acquisitions or bankruptcies. SoundTouch speakers, originally released between 2013 and 2015, carried price tags ranging from $399 to $1,500.
Bose delivered an update to customers today via email, announcing that AirPlay and Spotify Connect will continue to function with SoundTouch speakers even after the EoL date. This expands the wireless capabilities users will retain.
Furthermore, SoundTouch devices equipped with AirPlay 2 will maintain the ability to play audio simultaneously across multiple units.
The SoundTouch app itself will also remain available, though with some reduced functionality.
Bose stated, “On May 6, 2026, the app will update to a version that supports the functions that can operate locally without the cloud. No action will be required on your part. Opening the app will apply the update automatically.”
