This is the new (and heavily restyled) Sonos Playbar according to image leak

This is the new Sonos Playbar according to image leak
(Image credit: Zatz Not Funny!)

Is this the new Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar? Images leaked by Zatz Not Funny! supposedly offer a first look at the rumoured Dolby Atmos-supporting Sonos Playbar, which is expected to launch tomorrow.

Last week, rumours circulated that Sonos would reveal three new products: an all-new Playbar with Dolby Atmos, an update to its Play:5 speaker, and a subwoofer. The multi-room mogul has since tweeted a teaser (below) for a news announcement on 6th May, suggesting that the trio of new products could be made official tomorrow.

— Sonos on April 24, 2020

Zatz Not Funny! has published images of what it believes to be the new Sonos Playbar – and they show a significantly restyled design compared to the original model, which was released back in 2013.

Article continues below

The most obvious observations: it will come in black and white, like its predecessor, but sport a much slimmer, longer and more cylindrical profile than the existing Playbar and, indeed, the smaller Sonos Beam.

One Reddit user, who could well be a beta tester for the new soundbar, has suggested it is 45 inches (so 114cm) in length – 10 inches (24cm) longer than the Playbar. That would make it stretch almost the width of a 55 inch TV

(Image credit: Zatz Not Funny!)

The publication also surmises that the new Playbar will work in one orientation only, irrespective of table-top or wall mount positioning. The images also show touch sensitive controls along the top. 

The seemingly flattened top of the soundbar could be to accommodate upward-firing speakers to effectively deliver the height channels in Dolby Atmos soundtracks, however it's impossible to be certain from these low-quality images. 

Thankfully, it doesn't seem we have long to wait to find out Until tomorrow, then.

MORE:

Sonos S2 update: everything you need to know

Best Dolby Atmos soundbars 2020: the best Atmos TV speakers

Sony WH-1000XM4: release date, leaks and all of the news

Becky Roberts
Freelance contributor

Becky is a hi-fi, AV and technology journalist, formerly the Managing Editor at What Hi-Fi? and Editor of Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica magazines. With over twelve years of journalism experience in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices.

In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.