Sonos S2 update now available! Here's how to update your Sonos system

(Image credit: Sonos/ M&C Saatchi Talk)

Sonos announced its controversial operating system overhaul, S2, just over a month ago, setting the release date for the new app and OS as 8th June. The time has come: the S2 update is here. Update away – if you want to.

In addition to powering three new products officially launching this week (the Sonos Arc soundbar, an updated Play:5 called the Sonos Five, and a third-gen Sonos Sub), Sonos says customers can expect higher resolution audio technologies with S2 – as seen with the Arc's Dolby Atmos support. Sonos also promises increased security, a simpler user interface and improved design with the revised operating system.

Most customers can update to the new app today and may have been prompted to do so if their Sonos system only includes S2-compatible products. If this sounds like you, all you need to do is download the new app, delete the old one, and your system will automatically update to S2. Be aware that the old app will be rendered useless once your devices have been upgraded to S2.

We've already done the update ourselves but weren't prompted to do so and in fact couldn't initially find the new S2 app on the iOS App Store. In the end, we tapped on the Sonos S1 Controller app in the store, swiped down to the 'Sonos, Inc.' hyperlink, and then found the S2 app, which is listed simply as 'Sonos'. Here's a direct link if you're also struggling.

And remember that you don't have to update. Unless you want to add one of the newly-launching S2 products, customers with systems comprising older, non-compatible products can comfortably remain on S1. Your app icon will be rebadged as Sonos S1 (seen on the right, above) and your experience will continue as before.

S2 compatible (and non-compatible) products

S2 compatible (and non-compatible) products (Image credit: Sonos)

Want to keep using your old player while adding the new Arc, Five or Sub (Gen. 3)? You have the option to split your system into two households – S1 and S2 – which will operate independently within your home. Inevitably, compromises to the experience are associated with this choice, though. Consult our advice page, Sonos S2 update: everything you need to know as well as the Sonos support destination to learn whether S2 is right for you.

It's worth mentioning that the Sonos' Trade Up customer upgrade program remains open, for customers wishing to upgrade to S2 compatible products and save 30 per cent when they feel the time is right for them – and you no longer have to deploy the device-bricking recycle mode to do it.

MORE: 

Read all our Sonos reviews

The best Sonos deals and sales – June 2020

Sonos: everything you need to know

Becky has been a full-time staff writer at What Hi-Fi? since March 2019. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, she freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 20-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo, This is Cabaret and The Stage. When not writing, she dances, spins in the air, drinks coffee, watches football or surfs in Cornwall with her other half – a football writer whose talent knows no bounds. 

  • Niallivm
    High res streaming limited to 24 bit 48khz for local libraries and no mention of MQA for Tidal Masters in the supported file formats on the Sonos site. S2 looks to me like a foundation for future High Res services rather than an upgrade that will benefit Sonos users immediately
    Reply
  • Vim Fuego
    Only 4 years too late to the party, and even then, not real HD.

    Weren't Qualcomm doing 24/96 flac multiroom with much lower latency like 4 years ago with Allplay?

    Chromecast Audio dongles do 24/96 flac multiroom with much lower latency, optical output and can be picked up for £15 to turn whatever hifi you want into multiroom.

    I really don't get the appeal of Sonos. They are years late and have destroyed consumer trust
    Reply
  • Big Aura
    is it possible to roll-back the update?

    I've got a mixed set up (which is rather unstable) - I fear moving to S2 for one amp which is compliant could damage the fraglie nature of my remaining Sonos S1 network further. I'd like to expirement with S2/S1 mixed set-up, but would like to go back to just S1 if the mixed systems is less stable.

    thanks!
    Reply
  • Nintendologist
    Big Aura said:
    is it possible to roll-back the update?

    I've got a mixed set up (which is rather unstable) - I fear moving to S2 for one amp which is compliant could damage the fraglie nature of my remaining Sonos S1 network further. I'd like to expirement with S2/S1 mixed set-up, but would like to go back to just S1 if the mixed systems is less stable.

    thanks!

    According to the Sonos S2 Split system FAQ on their site, it isn't. Once you're updated to S2 there's no going back:


    Is this process reversible?No, once products have upgraded to S2, they cannot be downgraded back to S1 or added to an S1 system. Make sure you want to create a split system before following this process.
    Reply
  • Big Aura
    oh, thanks. That's a shame. Will hold firm with what I currently have.
    Reply
  • Biffta
    I updated to new Sonos app. Now a lot of my Apple Music artwork does not appear. Informed Sonos and they have experienced the same problem and are working on it. NOT GOOD. Should have stuck to S1, but of course can’t revert back to it.
    Reply
  • Nintendologist
    I have learned from past mistakes with all kinds of firmware/software updates and now I wait a good few months until the early bugs have been addressed.

    Biffta said:
    I updated to new Sonos app. Now a lot of my Apple Music artwork does not appear. Informed Sonos and they have experienced the same problem and are working on it. NOT GOOD. Should have stuck to S1, but of course can’t revert back to it.

    How this can happen when the software went through an extensive beta test is very strange..
    Reply