Sonos has unveiled its biggest single announcement since 2024, revealing two new products — the Ace Ultra headphones and Beam Ultra soundbar — alongside a major software overhaul called Sonos 27. The update leans heavily into artificial intelligence, introducing an in-house voice assistant, a system for connecting third-party AI models, and the ability to create custom voice-controlled agents, marking a significant shift in how Sonos systems can be controlled beyond the standard app.

The overhaul includes Sonos 27voice, an opt-in in-house assistant launching in early access this autumn, and Sonos 27mcp, which lets users connect existing AI models such as ChatGPT or Gemini (though not Google Assistant) from 8 September. Users will eventually be able to build up to ten custom AI agents with distinct voices and roles, though this feature is not expected until 2027. Other additions include surround-sound support for wireless Play and Move 2 speakers, "headphone linking" to pass audio between speakers and headphones from 29 September, and app improvements such as new navigation tabs, a virtual volume knob and returning lockscreen controls, most rolling out from 8 September.