In a recent Reddit AMA, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence addressed the company's previous discussions about bringing back the old Sonos app following widespread issues with the new version. Unfortunately, it has been revealed that reintroducing the old app is simply not feasible due to significant technical constraints.

The chaos began when Sonos launched its first headphones, the Ace, in May, positioning them as competitors to Apple's AirPods Max. In order to support these new headphones, the company decided to revamp its app entirely, launching a brand-new version just before the release. However, this move completely backfired, resulting in an outcry from customers.

The dissatisfaction stemmed from the removal of beloved features and connectivity problems experienced by owners of older Sonos speakers. Customers were particularly upset as Sonos has always been known for its seamless "It Just Works" experience. To make matters worse, the new app also disrupted accessibility features, intensifying user frustration.

Initial responses from Sonos downplayed the complaints, but CEO Patrick Spence later sent a personal apology to customers, outlining a timeline for fixes and improvements. However, even with these promised updates, the new app failed to meet everyone's expectations.

Rumors circulated last week suggesting that Sonos was considering resurrecting the old app to address customer grievances. However, Spence confirmed that this would be impossible due to the intricate interplay between the mobile app, speaker software, and cloud infrastructure. Over the past months, Sonos has continually updated the software on its speakers and in the cloud, but it has unfortunately led to a decline in reliability and stability compared to previous versions.

After extensive testing, it was reluctantly concluded that re-releasing the old Sonos app would only exacerbate the existing problems. Spence acknowledged the disappointment this news would bring to customers, emphasizing that it was also disheartening for him personally.

Sonos is now faced with the challenge of finding alternative solutions to address the ongoing concerns while moving forward with the current app. The company remains committed to delivering the high-quality audio experience it is known for, and further updates and improvements are expected to be rolled out in the coming months.

In the meantime, Sonos users are encouraged to provide feedback and report any issues they encounter to help the company work towards resolving the current app's shortcomings. Sonos is determined to regain the trust and loyalty of its customer base through transparent communication and continuous efforts to enhance user experience.