US audio equipment maker Sonos Inc. is reportedly considering relaunching the previous version of its mobile app for Android and iOS devices after it came under fire for the app’s latest redesign.
The report stated that the company’s executives had discussed possibly allowing customers to return to the older S2 software to appease their dissatisfaction with the updated app.
In May, the Santa Barbara, California-based firm significantly overhauled its mobile app to streamline the user experience by putting services, content, and system controls on a single custom home screen.
The update aimed to help users easily access more than 100 streaming services, playlists, stations, and albums within the platform.
However, the redesign led to several technical issues, leaving customers with a new app riddled with bugs and missing features. Users were unable to set sleep timers and access local music libraries, while some could not connect new speakers to their systems via the refreshed app.
The problems have since been addressed, with the updated S2 showing improvement. Still, there is much to be done for Sonos.
Sonos Makes Efforts to Reconcile with Customers
Sonos chief executive Patrick Spence said a complete revamp of the app was the right move, allowing them to innovate more often and explore new products.
Following the disappointing overhaul, the maker of headphones and home sound systems decided to pause the fourth-quarter launch of two new major products due to a product sale headwind brought about by the issue.
The delays might last until the company is certain that the user experience of its mobile app is once again meeting the expected quality.
One of the products on hold is likely the next Arc soundbar, Lasso, which the firm is reportedly still looking to introduce around October, the month it enters fiscal year 2025.
Spence estimated near-term spending of $20 million and $30 million to resolve the failed update, aiming to keep existing customers and avoid a total drop of their whole-house audio system.
The refreshed S2 receives updates every two weeks, and fixing the app will continue through the fall, according to Spence.
