Bose SoundTouch Faces End of Support in 2026

The Bose SoundTouch 20, a notable smart speaker, is set to lose its software support by the year 2026. This piece of technology, which debuted in 2013 at a price range of $399 to $1,500, was initially slated for 13 years of software backing.

A Major Transition for SoundTouch Users

With the passing of time, Bose announced through an official email in October 2025 that all SoundTouch speakers will cease to receive updates, including security enhancements, as of February 18, 2026. Post this date, these devices will operate solely via HDMI, Aux, or Bluetooth connections, marking a shift towards basic speaker functionality without support for new digital integrations.

This decision aligns with a prevailing trend in consumer electronics where manufacturers set a finite time frame for device support. Consequently, post-support periods often leave consumers dependent on limited functionalities or alternative solutions.

An Open-Source Opportunity

Seeing the need to extend the life of their products beyond the end of support, Bose has taken a commendable step by opening up the SoundTouch platform to developers. This initiative provides an opportunity for the creation of new tools and applications, potentially adding novel features to these speakers. However, a few conditions accompany this transition, suggesting careful management and integration.

Navigating the Transition

While we await new open-source applications for the SoundTouch, there remain several viable options for current users. Bose has reassured users that streaming from platforms like AirPlay and Spotify Connect will remain functional, and those using AirPlay 2-enabled devices can continue enjoying seamless services.

Additionally, a simplified version of the SoundTouch app will persist, allowing essential operations to manage speaker functions effectively.

Maintaining Sound Performance

Owners of a compatible streaming amplifier can link their SoundTouch speakers to these devices, enhancing the auditory experience with superior audio codecs and features.

For those without streaming amps, connecting your SoundTouch to any Bluetooth-enabled device remains a practical option. Certain models require app-based pairing, while others offer a physical Bluetooth button for easy connectivity.

Switching entirely to other brands like Yamaha, Sonos, or Apple poses its own risks, as all products eventually face their end of life, leading back to the same set of challenges.

Practical Advice

Keep your SoundTouch remote close; it remains a valuable asset if the app is phased out. For those who have misplaced it, procuring a replacement via online retailers is a wise approach.

Ultimately, the evolution and sustainability of SoundTouch post-2026 hinge on the community's ability to leverage the newly open-sourced API.

A Call for Industry-Wide Change

As countless devices meet their prescribed end, Bose's strategy underscores the necessity for electronics companies to consider open-sourcing defunct technology. Such initiatives could dramatically reduce tech waste, making it an appealing option for many firms striving for sustainability.

This proactive approach by Bose serves as a model that other tech manufacturers could follow, potentially heralding a new norm in how legacy systems are handled.