Sonos CEO, Patrick Spence, addressed the growing discontent surrounding the company’s recent app redesign in an interview with The Verge. While acknowledging user frustrations, Spence defended the update, emphasizing its improved speed, navigation, and overall experience.
Spence explained that the redesign was driven by consistent customer feedback requesting a more modern and intuitive app interface. However, he admitted that the transition has been less than smooth, with some users vocal about missing features and bugs.
To reassure users, Spence highlighted the new app’s modular architecture, which enables faster updates and fixes. He cited the quick resolution of a recent alarm issue as an example of the improved responsiveness. The CEO also confirmed that missing features, such as adding to the queue and sleep timers, will be reinstated soon.
While acknowledging the passionate nature of Sonos customers, Spence maintained that the redesign ultimately benefits the majority. He admitted that communication could have been clearer regarding the missing features at launch and their timeline for return.
In an effort to improve transparency, Sonos has posted an update on Reddit outlining the features slated for return and their estimated timelines. This move, coupled with the CEO’s defense of the redesign in The Verge interview, indicates Sonos’ commitment to addressing user concerns while pushing forward with its innovation roadmap.