Bose has reversed course on plans that would have effectively stripped smart features from its aging SoundTouch lineup, opting instead to preserve core functionality and open the platform to third-party developers. The company had previously announced it would discontinue cloud services for its more-than-decade-old SoundTouch Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars, a move that would have disabled native streaming features and significantly reduced the value of products that originally sold for between $400 and $1,500.
Under the original plan, the SoundTouch app was set to lose access to cloud-based music services such as Spotify, Pandora, and TuneIn as early as February 18. Users would have been forced to rely on wired inputs like HDMI, Toslink, AUX, or basic Bluetooth streaming—effectively turning once-premium smart speakers into conventional audio hardware. The announcement prompted widespread backlash from SoundTouch owners, many of whom criticized Bose for abandoning still-functional products.
In response, Bose has adjusted its strategy. While cloud-based services will still be discontinued—now with an extended deadline of May 6—the company will retain Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay support. AirPlay, in particular, preserves multi-room playback across multiple SoundTouch speakers, maintaining one of the platform’s most valuable features. The SoundTouch app itself will also continue to function locally, allowing users to manage Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect playback, adjust volume, group speakers, and handle setup and configuration.
More significantly, Bose announced it will open access to the SoundTouch API, enabling outside developers to create their own apps and integrations. This move gives the aging platform a potential second life and stands in contrast to the more common industry practice of fully locking down discontinued products. By exposing the API rather than fully bricking the devices, Bose is offering the SoundTouch ecosystem a path forward—one that could keep the speakers relevant well beyond their official support window.