TL;DR
Bose has published the API documentation for its SoundTouch Wi‑Fi speakers and outlined which features will continue to work after the products reach end-of-life. The company says AirPlay and Spotify Connect will remain functional, the SoundTouch app will be pared back but updated for local use, and developers can build SoundTouch-compatible tools with the released API docs.
What happened
Bose confirmed plans for its SoundTouch Wi‑Fi speakers and soundbars to lose cloud connectivity and stop receiving security and software updates after February 18, 2026. In a customer email issued after that announcement, Bose provided the SoundTouch API documentation so independent developers can build compatible tools and features. The company also said AirPlay and Spotify Connect will continue to work following end-of-life, and devices that support AirPlay 2 will be able to play the same audio simultaneously. Bose will keep a simplified version of the SoundTouch companion app: on May 6, 2026 the app will update automatically to a release that supports only functions that can operate locally without the cloud. Bose supplied a workaround for saving presets using favorites in third‑party music apps. Despite these steps, some cloud-dependent features and ongoing vendor support will be discontinued.
Why it matters
- Releasing API documentation gives independent developers a path to restore or extend functionality after vendor support ends.
- Keeping AirPlay and Spotify Connect working retains key wireless playback options for users despite loss of cloud services.
- A pared‑down app and developer access can reduce e‑waste by making already purchased devices more usable after official support ends.
- The move could set a precedent for other smart device makers facing end‑of‑life decisions about legacy hardware.
Key facts
- Bose announced SoundTouch Wi‑Fi speakers and soundbars will lose cloud connectivity and stop getting security and software updates after February 18, 2026.
- Bose emailed customers the SoundTouch API documentation so independent developers can create SoundTouch‑compatible tools and features.
- AirPlay and Spotify Connect will continue to work with SoundTouch speakers after end-of-life; devices that support AirPlay 2 can play the same audio simultaneously.
- The SoundTouch companion app will be updated on May 6, 2026 to a version that supports only functions that operate locally without the cloud; the update applies automatically when the app is opened.
- Bose provided a workaround for saving presets that uses favorites available in music service apps.
- SoundTouch speakers were released in 2013 and 2015, with original prices reported between $399 and $1,500.
- Bose is based in Framingham, Massachusetts (as identified in the customer communication).
What to watch next
- Whether independent developers use the released API documentation to produce community tools or firmware that restore lost features (not confirmed in the source).
- Any security or compatibility issues that arise from third‑party implementations or continued local operation of devices (not confirmed in the source).
- Whether other smart device manufacturers adopt similar open approaches at end-of-life (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and protocols that allows software components to communicate and enables developers to build tools that interact with a device or service.
- AirPlay 2: Apple’s wireless streaming protocol that supports multiroom audio and playback control across compatible devices on the same network.
- Spotify Connect: A feature that lets users stream Spotify directly to compatible devices over a network, using Spotify as the control interface.
- End-of-life (EoL): The point at which a manufacturer stops providing updates, support, or cloud services for a product.
Reader FAQ
Will my SoundTouch speakers stop working entirely after the EoL date?
No. Bose says speakers will continue to play audio via AUX, HDMI, Bluetooth, and will retain AirPlay and Spotify Connect support; however, cloud features and some app functions will be discontinued.
Is Bose providing source code or firmware for the speakers?
Bose released the SoundTouch API documentation for developers; releasing source code or firmware is not confirmed in the source.
Will the SoundTouch app still work?
Yes. Bose said the app will update on May 6, 2026 to a version that supports local functions without the cloud; it will be applied automatically when the app is opened.
Can I still save or use presets after the cloud services end?
Bose provided a workaround using the favorites feature in music service apps, but native cloud‑based preset functionality will be limited.
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 is open-sourcing its old smart speakers instead of bricking them
- Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead …
- SoundTouch Cloud Service Ending | What It Means for You
- Bose Open-Sources Its SoundTouch Home Theater Smart …
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