Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead of end-of-life

In a move that provides a glimmer of hope for its SoundTouch speaker users, Bose has made the Application Programming Interface (API) documentation available for these home theater devices. This decision comes as the company prepares for the end-of-life (EoL) phase for the SoundTouch series, which includes Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars. Back in October, Bose announced that starting February 18, these premium devices would cease to function as smart speakers, limiting their capabilities to AUX, HDMI, or Bluetooth connection. This transition means that users will no longer receive software updates or security patches, and the beloved companion app will become non-functional. Consequently, users will lose access to essential features, such as integration with music services like Spotify, simultaneous playback across multiple SoundTouch units, and the ability to manage saved presets. This impending change has understandably frustrated many loyal customers, especially those who own multiple SoundTouch products that are still performing well. Some users voiced concerns over the trend of manufacturers discontinuing support for high-end devices, often to streamline operations or cut costs. However, Bose has offered some reassurance. In a recent communication with customers, the company confirmed that key functionalities, such as AirPlay and Spotify Connect, will remain operational even after the EoL date. This means that SoundTouch speakers will still be able to deliver wireless streaming capabilities. Furthermore, devices that support AirPlay 2 will allow users to enjoy synchronized audio playback. While the SoundTouch app will continue to exist, it will be updated on May 6, 2026, to a version that supports local functions without relying on cloud connectivity. Users will not need to take any action, as the app will update automatically upon opening, ensuring that some level of functionality is preserved for these enduring devices.