Sonos overturned its decision in 2020 to discontinue several of its legacy speakers and devices. That said, the Sonos S2 software the company launched in the same year does not support them.

Sonos S2 (aka Sonos on app stores) is for current and new devices only, as it requires the greater processing power they provide. That doesn't mean your older kit is defunct though. Indeed, legacy products continue to work - you'll just have to make a decision on them, or two.

Here's everything you need to know about the Sonos S2 software, including what Sonos speakers are supported and which ones aren't.

What is Sonos S2 system software?

Sonos S2 was a major Sonos system software update that was made available in August 2020 for the vast majority of Sonos speakers and devices. It added new features, such as support for Dolby Atmos, plus other higher resolution audio formats and room groups.

It is also now the default software for all compatible Sonos devices.

All older devices (as on the list below) will be able to continue on the older Sonos controller software - which was renamed to Sonos S1 when the S2 software launched.

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Sonos

What Sonos speakers and devices are affected?

If you upgrade to Sonos S2, the following devices are not compatible and have to stay on the current generation software (Sonos S1):

  • Sonos Bridge
  • Sonos Connect
  • Sonos Connect:Amp
  • Sonos CR200 wireless remote
  • Sonos Play:5 (Gen 1)
  • Sonos Zone Players (ZP90, ZP100, ZP120, etc)

All other Sonos devices are capable of running Sonos S2 software. Any products released after May 2020 require the Sonos S2 software.

Why don't they get new features?

Like TVs, smartphones, tablets and most other forms of entertainment equipment, Sonos devices inevitably show their age - not because of their audio tech, but because of the processing and storage capabilities available when first launched. The affected devices are therefore no longer capable of effectively running the latest software or the more advanced, modern streaming services.

After all, some of the devices are nearly 20 years-old. How many people expect a 20 year-old TV to run Netflix, 4K or even BBC iPlayer these days? Sonos continues to release patches for the legacy gear if security holes are detected, just not the same significant upgrades as the rest of its family of speakers.

What to do if you own an affected Sonos speaker or device

If you do own any of the devices above and are worried that they'll simply stop working, rest assured that absolutely isn't the case.

Instead, you can continue to use them on the Sonos S1 software. There are some caveats to this, however.

For example, if you want to use legacy products with newer speakers as part of the same Sonos network you will not be able to update the newer devices to Sonos S2. They will all continue work together, but your newer devices will need to remain on Sonos S1 to do so.

Alternatively, you can isolate the older, affected devices and run them separate to your newer speakers - ie. run two independently connected zones in your home rather than one. The older devices connected to each other in one, the unaffected devices as another. That way, your newer devices will get the benefits of the S2 software.

And, if you purchase any Sonos speakers released after May 2020, you can only use them with Sonos S2, so you'll have to create two separate networks anyway.

Trade up your Sonos device for 30 per cent off a new one

If you don't want to continue to use your affected Sonos devices in future, you can opt to utilise the company's Upgrade program instead.

This effectively allows you to get 30 per cent off a brand-new, replacement device. However, while you were previously required to "brick" your old one permanently, through "Recycle Mode", that is no longer the case.

You can now use the Trade Up service without bricking your old device - allowing you to pass it on to a family member, sell it or even still use it with the older system software.

Detailed instructions on how to use the Sonos Upgrade program can be found in our separate feature.