Sonos and IKEA Part Ways: What’s Next for Your Smart Home Audio?

In a surprising turn, Sonos and IKEA are ending their collaborative journey after eight years. The partnership, known for the popular Symfonisk lineup, which elegantly blended audio technology with home furnishings, will see its current products phased out from IKEA stores globally. This includes the beloved lamp speakers, picture frame speakers, and bookshelf speakers that brought Sonos' audio quality to a more affordable price point.

"Over the past eight years, we’ve had the pleasure of working closely with IKEA and are proud of what we’ve achieved," said Sonos in a statement. While new joint products are off the table, Sonos reassures users that existing SYMFONISK products will continue to receive software updates, ensuring continued functionality.

The Symfonisk range offered a gateway into the Sonos ecosystem for many, providing full integration with Sonos' whole-home audio at a fraction of the cost of Sonos' standalone speakers. For example, Symfonisk speakers are available for as low as $120, a considerable saving compared to the entry level Sonos speaker directly from Sonos which stands just under $200.

Why the Split? While neither company has explicitly stated the reason for the breakup, speculation abounds. Some suggest it stems from Sonos' recent struggles, including a canceled video device and a poorly received app update. Others believe IKEA may have re-evaluated the partnership due to sales figures. It’s also possible that Sonos, aiming for a more premium image after recently lowering prices on its Era 100 speaker and Ray soundbar, sees the mid-tier Symfonisk line as directly competing with its own products.

One product WIRED specifically highlighted as a must-have before the partnership ends is the Symfonisk Sound Remote. This $19 device offers a simple, wall-mountable solution for controlling your Sonos system – a feature surprisingly absent from Sonos' own product lineup. The remote, compatible with all Sonos speakers, allows users to easily play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume without reaching for their phone or TV remote.

Despite the discontinuation, IKEA has pledged continued support for all Sonos-compatible devices, including the remote. However, the eventual scarcity of the Symfonisk Sound Remote Gen 2 has some hoping Sonos will make a new controller.

What does this mean for Sonos users? If you've been eyeing a Symfonisk product, now’s the time to act. Inventory is being phased out, and once it's gone, it's gone. This could also be an opportunity to snag discounted items as retailers clear out stock.

Sonos' focus remains on improving its core user experience, including the much-maligned mobile app. Interim CEO Tom Conrad has emphasized polishing the user experience as the company's top priority. The cancellation of their video player earlier this year underscored this commitment to returning to their audio roots.

Will you miss the Sonos and IKEA partnership? What are your thoughts on the future of smart home audio? Share your opinions in the comments below!

• IKEA
• Sonos
• Symfonisk