Sonos has introduced Sonos 27, the newest iteration of its audio operating system, bringing artificial intelligence-powered control to its product line. The update also includes new flagship hardware: the Sonos Ace Ultra headphones and the Sonos Beam Ultra soundbar. These advancements aim to create a more unified and adaptive audio system for users.
The core of the Sonos 27 update is its expanded open platform, which now allows for AI control through multiple assistants and agents. Sonos is introducing its own music and mood-focused assistant, Sonos 27voice, alongside Sonos 27mcp. This framework enables third-party AI assistants, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, to connect directly to a user's Sonos system. Users can ask their preferred AI to play music, adjust volume, or move audio between speakers without leaving their current AI conversation. OpenAI's product lead for ChatGPT Voice, Atty Eleti, stated that this integration allows users to "ask ChatGPT to play music anywhere in their home from their phone or computer, without leaving the conversation they're having." Sonos also previewed a forthcoming feature called Sonos Custom Agents, which will allow users to create agents with their own specified models, personas, and voices. These AI capabilities are opt-in, providing users with control over their data and system interaction.
The new hardware lineup includes the Sonos Ace Ultra headphones, priced at $449. These headphones feature upgraded adaptive noise canceling, a 35-hour battery life, and fast charging capabilities. A key feature of the Ace Ultra is its ability to link directly to the Sonos system via Wi-Fi using the Sonos app, allowing audio to be pushed or pulled between speakers and headphones without a paired phone. This feature, currently in early access, is part of what Sonos calls "Sonos Fabric," a system capability designed to allow Sonos products to sense each other and adapt their roles. The Ace Ultra will be available in black, white, agave, and sand finishes.
The Sonos Beam Ultra soundbar, priced at $699, is an updated version of the Beam Gen 2. It features 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos support, enhanced by nine drivers and up-firing speakers. The Beam Ultra is set to be available for pre-order starting September 1, with general availability on September 29.
Sonos Fabric also enables new functionalities for portable speakers. Compatible portable speakers can now function as wireless rear home theater surrounds by simply being moved into position, a feature Sonos calls Portable Surrounds. This system-level capability uses high-frequency sound to allow Sonos products to sense one another and adapt their roles within the system.
The Sonos 27 update also brings a redesigned app experience. The app features a simpler layout with Home, System, and Search tabs, aiming to make navigation more intuitive. Frequently used rooms can be pinned for quicker access, and users can save speaker groupings, content, and volume levels as "Presets." Previous issues with Sonos app updates, particularly the widely criticized overhaul in 2024, appear to have informed this redesign, with Sonos stating that the new features were shaped and tested by the Sonos community.
Sonos CEO Tom Conrad stated that Sonos 27 represents a further evolution of the company's audio operating system, built around a "shared love of music and the belief that nothing sets the mood like great sound." The company positions these updates as a move from a collection of individual speakers to a more cohesive and adaptive system. The new products and software are available through Sonos.com and select retail partners.