Sonos Rolls Out Sonos 27 Software Update with AI Features and New App Design

Sonos has begun rolling out Sonos 27, the next generation of its audio operating system, as a free software update for all Sonos S2 products. The update adds AI-driven voice control, portable speakers that can function as rear surrounds, a redesigned navigation app, and early-access features such as headphone linking. Feature availability varies by device, but the core enhancements are live today.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System 9to5Mac

Sonos previously generated attention with a major app redesign several years ago. The company’s strategy emphasizes software-only improvements that extend the capabilities of existing hardware, positioning the platform as an evolving “audio operating system” rather than a hardware-focused product line.

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• Sonos reports that its system is used in more than 17 million households across over 60 countries.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

• The update introduces “portable surrounds,” allowing two identical portable speakers (Move 2 or Sonos Play) to pair with a compatible soundbar as rear channels and then revert to standalone use.

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Sonos CEO Tom Conrad explained that the company’s approach differs from most of the tech industry: the firm adds new capabilities through software rather than requiring new hardware purchases. Chief Innovation Officer Nick Millington emphasized the company’s open-platform philosophy, noting that no single assistant should dominate the home environment and that Sonos 27voice focuses on music and control while allowing third-party agents to fill other roles.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

• “Most of the tech industry ships new capability by shipping new hardware, but we built Sonos differently,” — Tom Conrad, CEO of Sonos

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

• “We don't believe one assistant should own the home. One assistant can't be great at everything,” — Nick Millington, Chief Innovation Officer

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

The Sonos 27 app reorganizes navigation into three bottom tabs—Home, System, and Search—and adds native swipe gestures. Users can pin favorite rooms, control playback from the iPhone lock screen and Dynamic Island, and use a virtual volume knob that mimics a physical dial. Siri and Shortcuts integration are now supported, and a refreshed iPad layout is included.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System 9to5Mac

Two identical portable speakers can automatically become rear surrounds when paired with a compatible soundbar, then return to their original role when moved. Early-access features debut with the update:

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• Headphone linking – enables direct connection of headphones (starting with Sonos Ace Ultra) to the Sonos system.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

• Sonos 27voice – an in-house AI music assistant slated for early-access later this fall.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

• Presets – allow users to save speaker groups, content, and volume levels for one-tap recall, arriving later this fall.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

• Headphone linking is scheduled to launch on September 29 as an early-access feature alongside the Sonos Ace Ultra headset.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

• Sonos 27voice will become available in early access later this fall.

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• Sonos Custom Agents, planned for 2027, will let users create personalized AI agents with distinct models, personas, and voices.

Sonos 27 Adds AI Control, New Ways to Move Sound, and an Easier App Experience to your Sonos System

These forthcoming capabilities continue Sonos’s roadmap of expanding software functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing hardware.

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