This Bose Speaker's Lifecycle End in 2026 – But Open Source Offers Hope

The Bose SoundTouch 20 smart speaker, along with its companions in the SoundTouch range, is facing the twilight of its lifecycle. Introduced to the world back in 2013, these devices carried a price tag between $399 and $1,500, with Bose initially committing to a 13-year support timeline.

Reach of Support Deadline

The inevitable end is near for these speakers. In a notification sent in October 2025, Bose made it clear that from February 18, 2026, the SoundTouch series will cease receiving updates, including essential security improvements. Post this date, the speakers will rely solely on HDMI, Aux, or Bluetooth connections to function, effectively transforming them into 'dumb' speakers.

Such transitions are all too common in the consumer tech space, where a predefined support period limits the active lifespan of most gadgets. Yet, instead of leaving their users in a lurch, Bose has chosen a progressive path.

Open Source: A Bright Spot

To counter the stagnation of its SoundTouch series, Bose has opted to open-source the technology, inviting developers to innovate freely. This move opens doors for new applications and enhanced features, ensuring that the speakers' utility can extend well beyond their official support cut-off.

Current Options for Owners

What should SoundTouch owners do as the end-of-life date approaches? For starters, Bose has ensured that services like AirPlay and Spotify Connect remain functional. Devices compatible with AirPlay 2 will also continue to work.

Furthermore, the less advanced version of the SoundTouch app will still operate, albeit with basic features. Owners using streaming amplifiers can connect their SoundTouch speakers to these devices for potentially improved audio experiences. Additionally, pairing the speakers with any Bluetooth-enabled device remains a viable option.

For those considering a shift to different products, alternative brands like Yamaha, Sonos, Apple, and Amazon are available, but being mindful of their own product lifecycle restrictions is advisable.

Moreover, retaining the SoundTouch remote could be beneficial, given its functionality might surpass that of the app in the future. Replacements are readily available online should the original be misplaced.

Broader Implications for Tech Waste

The choice to open-source older technology might set a precedent in reducing tech waste. By allowing open access to previous advancements, companies can ensure that devices don't contribute unnecessarily to environmental pollution.

As electronic waste mounts globally, others in the tech industry should consider following Bose’s example. After all, it seems a logical step to mitigate waste while keeping consumers engaged with enduring products.