TL;DR
Bose has distributed API documentation for its SoundTouch line and confirmed that some wireless features will continue after the products reach end-of-life. The company also said the SoundTouch app will be updated to work locally on May 6, 2026, while cloud-dependent services and security updates will cease.
What happened
Bose informed SoundTouch owners that it has released the speakers' API documentation to customers, enabling independent developers to build SoundTouch-compatible tools. The announcement follows an October statement that SoundTouch Wi‑Fi speakers and soundbars would lose cloud connectivity and companion app functionality and stop receiving security and software updates starting February 18. In the customer email, Bose said AirPlay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after the devices reach end-of-life; devices that support AirPlay 2 will be capable of synchronized playback. The company also said the SoundTouch app will be trimmed to functions that run locally and will update automatically on May 6, 2026. Bose provided guidance for users to recreate saved presets via the favorites features in music service apps. The move comes amid frustration from long-term owners whose units still function but will lose cloud-dependent features.
Why it matters
- Providing API documentation gives third parties the means to extend or replace cloud-dependent features, potentially prolonging device usefulness.
- Allowing AirPlay and Spotify Connect to keep working preserves common wireless playback paths for many owners.
- Automatic app updating to local-only operation mitigates some loss of functionality without requiring user intervention.
- The step sets an example for handling smart-device end-of-life that may influence other manufacturers' approaches.
Key facts
- Bose emailed SoundTouch API documentation (PDF) to customers to help independent developers create compatible tools.
- In October, Bose announced SoundTouch Wi‑Fi speakers and soundbars would become 'dumb' devices on February 18, losing cloud connectivity and app-based features.
- After February 18, the devices will no longer receive security or software updates, according to Bose.
- Bose said AirPlay and Spotify Connect will continue functioning after the end-of-life date.
- Devices that support AirPlay 2 will be able to play the same audio simultaneously post‑EoL.
- The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6, 2026 to a version that supports only functions that can operate locally; the update will install automatically when the app is opened.
- Bose provided instructions for a workaround to save presets using the favorites features available in music service apps.
- SoundTouch models were introduced in 2013 and 2015, with original prices reported between $399 and $1,500.
- Bose is based in Framingham, Massachusetts.
What to watch next
- Whether independent developers publish tools or firmware that restore or replace cloud-dependent features — not confirmed in the source.
- Community adoption of the provided API documentation and the availability of third-party apps or integrations — not confirmed in the source.
- Any further announcements from Bose about firmware releases, extended support, or additional device compatibility — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and specifications that lets software programs communicate with each other; developers use APIs to create integrations or control devices.
- End-of-life (EoL): A manufacturer’s designation that a product will no longer receive updates, support, or certain services.
- AirPlay 2: Apple’s wireless streaming protocol that supports audio playback and multiroom synchronization across compatible devices.
- Spotify Connect: A feature from Spotify that lets users control playback on compatible devices directly from the Spotify app.
Reader FAQ
Will my SoundTouch speaker still play music after the end-of-life date?
Yes. Speakers will continue to play audio via AUX, HDMI, or Bluetooth; Bose also said AirPlay and Spotify Connect will keep working.
Will Bose keep providing security and software updates?
No. Bose said the devices will stop receiving security and software updates after the announced EoL date.
Did Bose release the SoundTouch firmware as open source?
Not confirmed in the source.
What happens to presets saved in the SoundTouch app?
Cloud-backed presets and some app features will be disabled, and Bose suggested using music-service favorites as a workaround.
When will the SoundTouch app change to local-only features?
Bose said the app will update to the local-only version on May 6, 2026 and will apply the update automatically when opened.
A TOUCH MORE SOUNDTOUCH Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead of end-of-life If companies insist on bricking gadgets, this is a better way to do it. SCHARON…
Sources
- Bose has released API docs and opened the API for its EoL SoundTouch speakers
- SoundTouch Cloud Service Ending | What It Means for You
- Bose SoundTouch End of Life Gets Less Painful With …
- Bose Extends Support for Speakers After Customer Backlash
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