Sonos has rolled out a new update for its mobile app, introducing tab-based navigation, speaker sorting, and several other enhancements that users have long been asking for.
This update comes over a year after Sonos faced backlash for its app redesign in 2024, which removed features and frustrated many loyal customers. Since then, the company has been working to regain user trust, and this update is another step toward that goal.
What’s Actually New in the App
The standout feature is tab navigation, which changes how you navigate the app. Instead of digging through menus, you can now access major sections from a tab bar at the bottom of the screen. This design is similar to what you see in apps like Spotify or Apple Music. So if you’ve had trouble finding settings or your system view, this change should make everything feel more straightforward.
With the new speaker sorting feature, you can now decide the order in which your speakers and rooms appear in the app. Previously, they were listed in a fixed sequence. Now, you can organize them in a way that makes sense for your home, placing your most-used rooms at the top.
Sonos has also improved the overall system view, which displays all your speakers and their current playback status. The update allows you to see your entire audio setup at a glance, without needing to click into each room.
Why This Matters More Than It Sounds
Sonos speakers come with a hefty price tag. For instance, a single Sonos Era 100 (a compact wireless speaker) costs about $249, and many homes have several speakers in different rooms. The main benefit of owning a Sonos system is being able to manage all your audio through one app. If that app is clunky or hard to use, it undermines the whole experience.
The 2024 app redesign drew a lot of criticism because it made managing audio more complicated rather than easier. Features like sleep timers, alarm editing, and access to local libraries were either removed or hard to find. Sonos CEO Patrick Spence issued a public apology, promising a roadmap for restoring the app.
These recent updates suggest that they’re still committed to that roadmap, even if the process has been slow.
Community Reactions
“Tab navigation is genuinely something I’ve wanted since day one of the new app. It felt like they designed it for people who only have one speaker. Finally feels like a multi-room system again.”
“The speaker sorting alone is huge. I have eight rooms in this app and the order made zero sense. Took me 30 seconds to fix what’s been bothering me for a year.”
What This Means for Everyday Users
If you’re using a Sonos system and have found the app frustrating, this update is definitely worth downloading. The tab navigation isn’t going to change how you listen to music, but it makes controlling your speakers much easier. Speaker sorting may seem like a small feature, but it has a big impact if you have more than three or four rooms set up.
However, some features that were removed in the 2024 redesign are still missing or only partially restored. Users who count on local music libraries or detailed alarm controls should check the Engadget coverage for the complete list of what this update includes before expecting everything to be back to normal.
The update is currently rolling out on both iOS and Android.
By The Numbers
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Update type | Mobile app quality-of-life update |
| Platforms | iOS and Android |
| Key features added | Tab navigation, speaker sorting, improved system view |
| Entry-level Sonos speaker price | ~$249 (Era 100) |
| Original controversial redesign | Released 2024 |
What To Watch
Sonos hasn’t given a specific date for when they’ll fully restore all features removed in the 2024 redesign. Expect continued incremental updates throughout 2026, especially regarding local library support and alarm functionality, which remain hot topics among users. The company’s ability to retain its premium customer base likely hinges on how quickly it can address these issues. Any announcements about new hardware, including a rumored update to the Arc soundbar line, will carry more weight if the app is in good shape by then.
Maya Torres
Maya Torres is the Consumer Tech Editor at Explosion.com with 7 years covering product launches for major technology publications. She has reviewed over 300 devices across smartphones, laptops, wearables, and smart home products. Maya specializes in translating spec sheets into real-world buying advice and attends CES, MWC, and Apple keynotes as press. Her reviews focus on helping readers decide what to buy, not just what specs look good on paper.
