Bose will soon remove key features from its SoundTouch Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars. On Thursday Bose informed clients that as of February 18, 2026, the company will no longer support these devices, and the cloud-based features of the devices, including the companion app, will no longer work.
The SoundTouch app provides a variety of features, including integration of music services like Spotify and TuneIn, as well as the ability to program multiple speakers in different rooms to play the same sound simultaneously.
Bose also stated that some saved settings will not work and that users will not be able to change saved settings after closing the app.
Additionally, Bose will no longer provide security updates for SoundTouch devices.
The Framingham, Massachusetts-based company noted to customers that the speakers will still be able to play audio from a device connected via AUX or HDMI. Wireless playback will still work via Bluetooth; however, Bluetooth is known to cause more latency than Wi-Fi connections.
Affected customers may exchange their SoundTouch product for credit value. up to $200.
In a notice sent to customers this week, Bose provided a minimal explanation for the end of life of its expensive SoundTouch speakers, saying:
Bose SoundTouch systems were introduced to the market in 2013. Since then, technology has changed and we can no longer support the development and support of the cloud infrastructure on which this older generation of products is based. We remain committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers, powered by modern technology.
Ars Technica has reached out to Bose for comment.
“Really disgusting”
Bose released the SoundTouch with three speakers ranging from $399 to $699. The company promoted wireless home audio as a way to distribute high-quality sound throughout the home using Wi-Fi-connected speakers.
In 2015, Bose expanded its lineup of speakers ranging from $200 to $400, as well as soundbars and home theater systems ranging from $1,100 to $1,500.
However, by 2020, Bose had distanced itself from SoundTouch. This informed clients that the company was “discontinuing sales of certain SoundTouch products” but said it was “committed” to supporting “the SoundTouch app and product software for the foreseeable future.” Apparently, Bose didn't see anything beyond the next five years.
