Sonos is testing a redesigned mobile app experience aimed at people who manage speakers across several rooms. The update puts device organization, a simplified tab layout, and more precise iPhone volume controls at the center of the changes.
The most practical addition is the ability to reorder speakers instead of leaving them in their original setup sequence. Users can also pin preferred devices to the top of the list for faster access.
That change addresses a common limitation for larger Sonos setups, where a frequently used speaker can be difficult to locate in a growing device list. Speakers may be arranged by name, usage frequency, or the device currently playing audio.
A New Way to Reach Devices and Music
The redesigned interface divides the main navigation into three tabs: Home, System, and Search. The structure is intended to reduce the number of steps between finding music and managing connected audio equipment.
Home serves as the starting point for key app activity and main options. System leads users to connected audio devices, while Search is used to find content.
Sonos has also added more responsive swipe gestures to the app. The adjustment is intended to make settings easier to reach when several audio devices need to be managed at once.
| Update | Main Function | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Three-tab navigation | Access Home, System, and Search | Move between content and devices |
| Speaker ordering | Rearrange the device list | Prioritize relevant speakers |
| Speaker pinning | Keep favorite devices at the top | Reach regular speakers faster |
| iPhone volume slider | Enlarge the control and show a number | Adjust volume more precisely |
iPhone Users Get a Clearer Volume Readout
Sonos is also changing the volume experience for iPhone users. The volume slider becomes larger when touched and displays the current volume level as a number.
The visible number gives users a more direct reference when they want to make a careful adjustment. A larger control can also make volume changes easier to perform from the phone screen.
Lock Screen playback controls for iOS are still under development, according to Sonos. The company plans to deliver that capability in a later update, allowing music to be controlled without opening the app.
Version 87 Is Reaching Users Gradually
Version 87 of the Sonos app is rolling out gradually on Android and iOS. Since it has not reached every user, those who receive the update can enable the new interface early through the Enable Improved Navigation option in settings.
The gradual approach gives Sonos an opportunity to collect feedback before applying the new design more broadly. Media Indonesia reported that the effort is part of the company’s attempt to improve the user experience after an earlier app update drew criticism.
The company is evaluating how customers respond to the updated navigation and controls in everyday use. If feedback is positive, the tab-based navigation, speaker ordering, and pinning functions are expected to become the standard app layout.
For now, users with version 87 can check the app settings to see whether the improved navigation option is available. The update focuses on making everyday speaker control more manageable rather than adding new audio hardware.
