Bose ends support for SoundTouch speakers in 2026
Bose has announced it will cease support for its SoundTouch Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars on February 18, 2026, disabling cloud-based features and the companion app. The move will limit the devices to basic playback via AUX, HDMI, or Bluetooth. Affected customers can receive up to $200 in trade-in credit.
Bose, headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, introduced its SoundTouch systems in 2013 as a wireless home audio solution using Wi-Fi-connected speakers. Initial models ranged from $399 to $699, with expansion in 2015 to include speakers priced $200 to $400 and soundbars and home theater systems from $1,100 to $1,500.
The SoundTouch app facilitated integration with services like Spotify and TuneIn, as well as multi-room audio playback. However, by 2020, Bose discontinued sales of some SoundTouch products while pledging continued support for the app and software.
Now, Bose has informed customers that support ends February 18, 2026. Cloud features, including the app, will cease, saved presets will no longer function, and security updates will stop. Devices will retain AUX and HDMI connectivity, plus Bluetooth playback—though Bluetooth introduces more latency than Wi-Fi.
Bose explained the decision in a notice: "Bose SoundTouch systems were introduced into the market in 2013. Technology has evolved since then, and we’re no longer able to sustain the development and support of the cloud infrastructure that powers this older generation of products. We remain committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies."
SoundTouch devices will not integrate with Bose's newer app, originally called Bose Music and launched in 2018 for products like the Bose Home Speaker 500 and Soundbar 500. This echoes challenges faced by rival Sonos, which encountered backlash last year after a new app disrupted older devices.
User frustration is evident. One Reddit user, who spent over $1,500 on SoundTouch products less than a decade ago, said: "I'm really disgusted with Bose about this. … [This] is enough to make me never buy another Bose product again."
Some suggest Bose open-source SoundTouch DevKits for community support, but the company has shown no interest. Bose has confirmed a trade-in program offering up to $200 credit toward newer products.