If you’ve been hoping for the return of the old Sonos app, there’s disappointing news. Sonos CEO Patrick Spence has confirmed that the company will not be bringing back the previous version of its app, despite earlier considerations. In a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Tuesday, Spence candidly discussed the situation, acknowledging that he, too, had been hopeful “until very recently” that the company could re-release the old app. This confirmation aligns with a previous report hinted that Sonos was contemplating a return to the older version of their software.
Testing revealed more issues
Spence explained that after conducting thorough tests, the company found that re-releasing the old app would likely create more problems than it would solve. Since the new app’s release on May 7, Sonos has made several updates to the software that runs on its speakers and in the cloud. While intended to improve functionality, these updates have unfortunately led to the current S2 app being less reliable and less stable than the previous version. According to Spence, reverting to the old app would not only fail to fix these issues but might also exacerbate them.
The Sonos CEO expressed disappointment over the findings, stating, “I’m sure this is disappointing. It was disappointing to me.” This candid admission reflects Sonos’s challenges in balancing innovation with customer satisfaction, especially when significant changes are made to widely used products.
Delays in product launches due to app quality
Spence has already issued a formal apology to customers in response to ongoing issues with the new app. Additionally, in August, Sonos announced a delay in the launch of two new products. This decision ensured that the app experience met the high standards expected by customers, partners, and the company itself. The focus is clearly on improving the current app before introducing any new products to the market.
Spence has emphasised that improving the app is his top priority. The Sonos CEO stated, “The app remains my #1 priority,” underscoring the company’s commitment to resolving the issues with the S2 app. Customers have been vocal about their frustrations, and Sonos appears to be listening closely to this feedback.
Future plans and customer engagement
During the AMA, Spence also touched on potential future developments, such as the possibility of introducing two-factor authentication for added security. While no definitive timeline was given, Spence’s openness to discussing these possibilities suggests that Sonos is considering various ways to enhance the user experience.
In a bid to maintain open communication with users, Spence promised to continue engaging with the Sonos community on Reddit. He mentioned plans to “pop back on Reddit some nights and weekends to engage on the most upvoted questions.” This move is likely to be welcomed by customers who appreciate transparency and direct communication from company leadership.
As Sonos works to address the current challenges with its app, users will need to remain patient. While the old app is not coming back, the company’s efforts to improve the new version are ongoing, with customer feedback playing a crucial role in guiding those improvements.
