Sonos introduces new headphones, soundbar, and software in its biggest announcement in years
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.
- Sonos launches Ace Ultra headphones, Beam Ultra soundbar and Sonos 27 software
- New AI features include an in-house voice assistant and third-party model support
- App gains new navigation, virtual volume knob and headphone-speaker audio linking
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Sonos makes wireless speakers, soundbars and headphones, and lets people control them through an app. Its products can be linked so music or other audio plays across different rooms, or used together for home cinema sound.
The software running these devices affects how people set them up and control them. Sonos is adding its own optional voice assistant and ways to connect some outside AI tools, as well as features for linking speakers and headphones.
The changes matter because they could give users more ways to control Sonos devices and combine them. They also expand the role of software in how the company’s products work together.