Sonos’ $449 Wi-Fi headphones delayed by software bug

Sonos, the renowned audio technology company, is experiencing a setback in the release of its highly anticipated Wi-Fi-enabled headphones.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the launch has been postponed due to a software glitch.

According to Gurman, who cites insider sources, the new product, internally referred to as Duke, is now slated for release no sooner than the first half of June, a month later than originally planned.

The Issue with Wi-Fi Connectivity

At the heart of the delay lies an issue with the headphones’ ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks.

The problem was detected during production validation testing, typically conducted two weeks prior to mass production commencement.

Sonos’ Connectivity Landscape

Sonos has built its reputation on Wi-Fi connectivity, with its existing product lineup relying heavily on this feature.

While some products like the Sonos Move 2 and Sonos Era 300 also support Bluetooth, the Sonos app has primarily catered to Wi-Fi-connected devices.

This underscores the significance of introducing wireless headphones capable of both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Gurman reveals that Sonos is gearing up to unveil an updated version of its app, internally known as “Passport,” which is expected to incorporate Bluetooth connectivity.

Price and CEO’s Insights

The anticipated price tag for the headphones upon release is $449. Sonos CEO Patrick Spence has made indirect references to the upcoming product, mentioning in 2023 the company’s venture into a new multibillion-dollar category slated for the second half of the year.

Spence’s next public appearance is scheduled for a fireside chat alongside Sonos’ Chief Financial Officer Saori Casey at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 4.