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Sonos AXES support for Apple's iOS4 and 5

Want to use your iThing? You can't - it's too old

+Comment With the ominous words “We take your investment in Sonos very seriously,” Sonos has killed off support for iOS v4 and 5 devices.

Sonos makes software app-controlled Wi-Fi speakers that can play audio streamed from Android, iOS, Windows and Mac OSX devices. The iThings can play local audio files on the speakers or relay music/radio from sources across the internet.

With a coming controller app release, Sonos is saying "iOS4 and 5 devices … will no longer function as Sonos controllers".

You'll now need at least a third-generation iPhone or fourth-generation iPod Touch or iPad, which have the minimum hardware specs required to run iOS6.

It means that many older iPads, iPhones, and first, second and third generation iPod touch devices, which Sonos customers can use at present as controllers for the firm’s fancy Wi-Fi speakers, will no longer work.

Let’s be clear here: “When you initiate this update when prompted on any device in your household, your speakers will no longer be able to connect with the devices above. This update is irreversible.”

The idea of having a gen 1 controller for older devices running alongside newer controller software with newer functionality for newer devices does not appear to be on the Sonos table.

Chris says

Customers will need to upgrade to newer Apple devices to use their Sonos kit, which should save the firm some software support dollars. The audio firm says: “Occasionally, we have to make decisions that balance our need to innovate with our desire to maintain support for older devices.”

Unless these customers upgrade to newer Apple devices or go Android they can forget about using their expensive pieces of Sonos speaker kit.

There's nothing on Sonos' Facebook page from the company about this change. Customers are instead learning about this in an email from Andrew Schulert, Sonos’s VP for quality.

There’s no grace period mentioned: Schulert is not saying support will end after the next two or three software releases, or after a fixed date a few months ahead. Nope – he’s saying the executioner’s axe will chop off iOS 4 and 5 controller functionality with the next software release, at some unspecified future date.

Sonos can only do what it’s doing because its controller is software, an app running on consumers' personal devices. Imagine if your TV supplier sent you a message saying your remote control would no longer work once the TV software was updated? ®

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