The Bose SoundTouch 20 smart speaker—alongside its counterparts in the SoundTouch series—has long been celebrated for combining elegant design with impressive audio fidelity. However, Bose has officially confirmed that the SoundTouch line is now approaching its inevitable end of life. This development marks the conclusion of software updates and support, signaling a major transition for users who have relied on these devices for years to provide whole-home, Wi-Fi–connected sound systems.
Originally introduced in 2013, the Bose SoundTouch family debuted with price points ranging from $399 to about $1,500, depending on model configuration and audio output capabilities. During the initial product launch, Bose assured customers that software and connectivity support for this line would extend for approximately thirteen years—a considerable lifespan in the world of consumer electronics. Now, that promise has reached its endpoint.
According to an official communication released by Bose in October 2025, all SoundTouch speakers will transition to what the company calls “dumb” status on February 18, 2026. This term indicates that from that date forward, the speakers will cease receiving any software enhancements, security patches, or firmware revisions. In other words, while the hardware will remain functional, its intelligent features and integration with certain online services will no longer operate as intended. Once that cutoff arrives, users will need to rely on physical connectivity options—such as HDMI, auxiliary input, or Bluetooth—to continue using their speakers effectively.
The announcement understandably provoked disappointment among long-term Bose enthusiasts, many of whom voiced their frustration across social discussion platforms like Reddit’s r/audio community. Yet, this development is hardly unique in today’s technology landscape. It has become standard practice for manufacturers to sunset products after a set period of service, limiting access to updates and forcing devices into partial obsolescence. When this occurs, devices often either lose critical functions or require cumbersome workarounds to remain operational.
In an attempt to mitigate consumer dissatisfaction and offer a longer-term solution, Bose has taken an unexpected step: it has chosen to open-source the SoundTouch API. By making this programming interface publicly accessible, Bose invites independent developers, audio enthusiasts, and the broader open-source community to craft new tools, companion apps, and potentially innovative functionalities that could extend the usefulness of existing SoundTouch hardware. This approach simultaneously empowers users and fosters collaborative development—though three key caveats accompany this move.
First, it remains uncertain how soon a developer or a group of contributors will adopt and expand upon this open API. Second, Bose’s open-source release currently exists primarily in document form—a downloadable PDF—without a dedicated source code repository commonly used in open development environments. Lastly, the Terms of Use governing this material are quite extensive, meaning interested contributors must navigate legal and technical details before proceeding. Nevertheless, the release represents a rare opportunity to preserve older technology through community-driven innovation.
For users wondering what can be done right now, Bose has provided some reassuring information. Even after official support ends, SoundTouch speakers will continue to function with AirPlay and Spotify Connect, two widely used streaming options. Additionally, devices compatible with Apple’s AirPlay 2 protocol will remain operational, allowing seamless integration with other smart audio ecosystems.
Bose will also maintain a simplified version of the SoundTouch app. Though stripped of more advanced functionalities, this lightweight variant will still enable essential controls like play, pause, skip, and volume adjustment, as well as the grouping of multiple speakers for synchronized audio playback. This ensures a measure of usability after the official shutdown.
For technically inclined users or audiophiles seeking more advanced performance, connecting the SoundTouch speaker to an external streaming amplifier—such as the WiiM Amp Ultra—can revitalize the experience. These amplifiers support superior audio codecs and additional features that can enhance the overall sound quality and usability of legacy speakers. Those without access to such amplifiers can still pair their SoundTouch devices via Bluetooth with smartphones, tablets, or other compatible systems. Pairing methods may differ by model: some require initiation through the app, while others—particularly the Series III speakers—offer a physical Bluetooth button to activate pairing mode directly.
Of course, another option is to transition to a new product line altogether. Companies such as Yamaha, Sonos, Apple, and Amazon offer comparable smart audio solutions. However, consumers should remember that every product eventually reaches its sunset stage, regardless of brand prestige or price point. Thus, purchasing new hardware does not permanently shield users from the risk of obsolescence.
A valuable piece of practical advice for current SoundTouch owners is to locate and preserve their original physical remotes. While the simplified app version will still perform basic tasks, the hardware remotes may become indispensable should Bose eventually discontinue the app entirely. Replacement remote controls remain available through various outlets, including Amazon, with compatibility across several SoundTouch models like the CineMate 520, 220, 130, and 120 systems.
Ultimately, the sustainability and continued relevance of these beloved speakers now rest in the hands of the open-source community. The prospect of developers reviving the SoundTouch ecosystem through custom-built applications or firmware extensions offers hope to users who have invested in this premium audio experience.
From a broader perspective, the situation underscores a fundamental truth about modern consumer electronics. Every device, no matter how sophisticated, will at some point reach its operational finale. When that moment comes, manufacturers face a choice: allow their creations to fade into electronic waste or open their platforms to the collective ingenuity of users and developers. By releasing its SoundTouch API, Bose has modeled a responsible and future-oriented response—one that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and respect for its consumer base. Ideally, other technology companies will follow suit, recognizing that openness not only prolongs product lifecycles but also minimizes waste and fosters ongoing creativity.
For now, the legacy of the SoundTouch line may be nearing its corporate end, but its spirit—and its sound—can continue to resonate for years to come, thanks to the empowering potential of open-source collaboration.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/bose-soundtouch-speaker-eol-open-source/
