Sonos Returns Lock Screen Controls After App Fiasco

Sonos has reintroduced lock screen controls for its users, integrating with Apple's Live Activities system on iPhones. This much-anticipated feature enables users to see current playback and adjust volume or switch songs, provided the phone is unlocked. The functionality, which initially debuted in 2016, was removed in 2023. Its absence was partly due to Sonos prioritizing fixes for a widely criticized app redesign launched in 2024, which had issues with volume controls and connection stability.

Following the app's problematic redesign, Sonos committed to improvements. The company has since released multiple software updates addressing user concerns, enhancing features like queue management and local library access. The restoration of lock screen controls marks another step in Sonos's effort to regain user trust and provide a seamless audio experience. While album art is not yet displayed on the lock screen, Sonos is exploring enhancements. Similar functionality is available on CarPlay and Apple Watch, though controls are currently unsupported on those platforms.