In mid-August, Sonos made headlines by announcing the layoff of 100 employees, sparking concerns about the company’s future within the tech community. These layoffs, which impacted key departments like engineering and customer support, came on the heels of a disastrous mobile app redesign in May 2024. Users were left dealing with bugs and losing confidence in the brand.
Facing backlash, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence issued a rare public apology and revealed that the company even considered reverting to the previous version of the S2 app. However, after numerous system changes, this was no longer feasible. Additionally, the launch of two major products has been delayed due to ongoing app issues, further escalating the crisis.
With an estimated 15.3 million households in its user base, Sonos has seen a significant sales slowdown since 2020. The company shipped 5.73 million units in 2023, below previous years’ levels. The recent turmoil has shed light on the risks of relying on closed systems in the home audio industry, raising concerns about Sonos’ sustainability.
The possibility of Sonos going under without a buyer is becoming more real, potentially leaving millions of users with expensive paperweights as devices become obsolete without cloud services and updates. The environmental impact of millions of devices turning into e-waste is alarming.
To address these challenges, a shift towards open-source streaming audio and wireless hi-fi systems is essential. A modular, open-source system like AudioPiLe could provide a foundation for a more resilient and interoperable ecosystem, similar to Android’s success in the mobile space. An open speaker connectivity standard, akin to Matter in the smart home industry, is crucial for ensuring seamless interoperability across devices.
Consumers stand to benefit from open-source solutions, allowing for customization, extended device lifespan, and reduced e-waste. Looking at successful examples like Android and FreeBSD, Sonos could potentially open source its S2 OS to foster innovation and adoption while maintaining control over its intellectual property.
The current challenges at Sonos underscore the importance of embracing open-source principles to build a more sustainable future for networked audio systems.