Sonos rolls out optional tab navigation and device sorting in latest app update
The gradual rollout brings tabbed navigation, enhanced speaker management, and iOS-specific interface tweaks to the Sonos mobile application.
Sonos has begun rolling out an update to its mobile application, introducing optional tabbed navigation and enhanced device management features. The update, which is being distributed gradually over several weeks, allows users to access system, search, and home screens via a single tap at the bottom of the interface. The new tabbed layout is not enabled by default; users must manually activate it through the 'Enable Improved Navigation' option within the app settings.
A key addition to the update is the ability to sort speakers and headphones more effectively. Users can now arrange their devices alphabetically, by frequency of use, or by current playback status. The update also permits users to pin specific devices or rooms to the top of the list, a feature noted as particularly beneficial for households with multiple Sonos devices spread across different rooms rather than single-room setups.
On iOS devices, the update brings a dynamic volume slider and album-art-themed backgrounds to the Now Playing screen. Additional interface tweaks include the ability to swipe to delete items from the favourites list. Sonos has also included bug fixes and performance improvements as part of this release, describing the changes as quality-of-life updates rather than groundbreaking new functionality.
This release follows a period of significant scrutiny for the company’s software division. Over two years ago, Sonos released a major app update that was widely criticised for its instability, an event that reportedly contributed to a change in the company’s leadership. While the current application is considered to be in a much stronger position, the cautious, phased rollout suggests an ongoing effort to ensure deployment stability.
Availability of the update varies by user, with Sonos confirming the distribution will occur over a couple of weeks. The company has not specified an exact date for when all users will receive the update, leaving some customers to wait for the gradual deployment to reach their devices.
