In a recent Reddit AMA, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence confirmed that the company will not re-release the old S2 app, despite ongoing issues with the new version. This decision comes after extensive testing revealed that reviving the old app would only worsen existing problems.
PCMag reports that Sonos released a redesigned app on May 7th, which faced immediate backlash from customers. Users reported missing features and numerous bugs, leading to a flood of complaints that have persisted for months. As Macrumors points out, in July, Sonos issued an apology and outlined plans to restore missing features in September and October.
“In the months since the new mobile app launched, we’ve been updating the software that runs on our speakers and in the cloud to the point where today S2 is less reliable & less stable than what you remember,” Spence explained in the AMA.
The Verge previously reported that Sonos was considering bringing back the original app version. However, Spence’s statement puts an end to those speculations. Sonos has also officially announced the delay of two product launches to focus on app improvements.
To address the app issues, Sonos has appointed the “original architect of the Sonos platform” to lead the fixes. The company has assembled its best and most experienced engineers to work on the app. Sonos has provided a timeline for the return of missing features, with updates expected in September and October.
The app issues and product launch delays may have significant implications for Sonos’ business strategy and revenue projections. The long-term impact on Sonos’ reputation and customer trust remains to be seen. In the AMA, Spence mentioned the possibility of implementing additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to enhance user protection.
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