Sonos Set to Challenge Apple with New Headphones, TV Boxes, and Earphones. Sonos is gearing up to take on tech giants like Apple with a diverse range of new products, slated for release in 2024 and 2025. This ambitious expansion plan, revealed in a Bloomberg report, includes high-end headphones, an Android-based TV device, earphones, and more, positioning Sonos as a formidable competitor in the audio and home entertainment markets.
Apple Patents Flexible AirPods, Adapting Shape for Custom Fit and Comfort
The Debut of Sonos’ High-End Headphones
Sonos is set to launch its first-ever high-end headphones, a project in the works since 2019. Priced between $400 and $500, these headphones are poised to rival Apple’s AirPods Max, Sony, and Bose offerings. They will feature advanced functionalities like voice control for search, navigation, and playback, and seamless integration with other Sonos devices and speakers. While they might lack some of the sophisticated technologies found in AirPods Max, Sonos plans to emphasize sound customization and calibration through its Sonos Passport app. The headphones are expected to be available in black and white colors as early as April.
Sonos’ Foray into TV Devices
Following the headphones, Sonos is venturing into the TV device market, with a product similar to Apple TV. This device will support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision and will double as a hub for other Sonos devices. Priced between $150 and $200, it aligns with the cost of Apple TV and other high-end TV boxes. The device, powered by a custom operating system based on Android, is anticipated to launch between late 2024 and 2025.
Negotiations and Streaming Ambitions
Sonos is not just stopping at hardware. The company is reportedly in talks with U.S. cable television providers, potentially for special plans or live broadcasting options. There’s even speculation about Sonos launching its own streaming TV service, as per the Bloomberg report.
An Array of Upcoming Products
The Sonos product lineup is set to expand further. The company is working on a commercial version of its Era 100 speaker, new amplifiers, and built-in speakers designed for professional installers. For consumer markets, Sonos plans to update its high-end Arc soundbar, priced above the current model, introduce a new subwoofer compatible with the Sonos TV device, and release a new version of the Roam portable speaker.
This strategic expansion by Sonos reflects a significant shift in the company’s focus, from specializing in audio equipment to challenging established players in the broader technology market. With a diverse product range that spans from personal audio to home entertainment systems, Sonos is set to make a notable impact in the tech world over the next few years.
