Bose to Open-Source Legacy Smart Speakers Instead of Rendering Them Useless

In a refreshing twist, Bose has decided to open-source the API documentation for its SoundTouch smart speakers, which were originally set to lose official support on February 18th, but that date has now been pushed back to May 6th, 2026.

When cloud support comes to an end, an update to the SoundTouch app will introduce local controls, ensuring that users can maintain as much functionality as possible without relying on cloud services. Streaming music to SoundTouch speakers will still be possible via Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect, along with physical AUX connections. Remote control features and the ability to group speakers will remain intact, and users will still have the capability to set up and configure their SoundTouch devices.

With the API being open-sourced, users now have the opportunity to develop their own compatible tools for SoundTouch, helping to bridge any gaps left by the absence of cloud services. While it’s unfortunate that official support is being withdrawn, Bose’s decision allows users to keep their speakers operational instead of rendering them useless.

This move is particularly noteworthy, as it’s uncommon for companies to take such an approach. Typically, when products lose cloud support, they become inoperable, and users often have to find their own solutions. A notable example is the Pebble smartwatch, which, after its shutdown in 2016, saw users band together to create the Rebble Alliance, a community-driven alternative for the watches’ cloud services, firmware, and app store.