Tab navigation is back: Sonos continues to revamp its controversial app

Sonos has rolled out new features in its app following months of user feedback and internal adjustments, marking a shift back toward familiar navigation elements after a controversial redesign. The update, which includes version 87.00.35 for Android and 87.00.36 for iOS, brings back tab-based navigation similar to the one used before the company’s major overhaul. This change comes more than two years after the initial redesign sparked widespread criticism among users and even led to the resignation of former CEO Patrick Spence. The return of tab navigation is part of a broader effort by Sonos to improve usability based on input from beta testers and the community. According to a statement from the company, the new layout features three buttons, “Home,” “System,” and “Search”, located at the bottom of the app. These tabs aim to simplify access to core functions while moving away from the previous approach of consolidating all options into a single screen. The decision reflects a response to user demands for simpler and more intuitive controls. In addition to the navigation changes, Sonos has introduced several other updates aimed at enhancing user experience. One notable feature is the ability to sort players within the app. Users can rearrange their devices according to usage frequency or alphabetical order, with the option to display currently playing devices at the top of the list. Some players can also be pinned for easy access. These adjustments provide greater flexibility and control over how users manage their audio systems. On the iOS platform, Sonos has reintroduced +/- buttons for adjusting volume, a feature previously removed during the earlier redesign. The company has also overhauled its volume control system, initially available on iOS and later expanded to Android. The updated system includes both +/- controls and a new method for synchronizing volume across multiple rooms. This change aims to make volume adjustment more straightforward and consistent across different environments. Users must manually activate these new features through the settings menu within the app. A toggle switch allows them to opt in to the updated navigation and additional functionalities. Sonos plans to gradually introduce more changes using this opt-in model, allowing the company to collect further feedback and refine the experience based on real-world usage patterns. This phased rollout strategy enables Sonos to test the effectiveness of each update before making them universally available. By giving users control over whether they want to adopt new features, the company hopes to balance innovation with user comfort. The approach also aligns with growing trends in software design that prioritize customization and user choice. As the updates continue to roll out, Sonos will likely monitor user responses closely. The company has already expressed confidence in the improvements, citing extensive collaboration with its community. With the latest changes, Sonos appears to be taking steps toward restoring trust and improving the overall functionality of its app. The next phase of updates may include further refinements or additional features tailored to specific user preferences.