Sonos controller problem on iOS 9.3.5



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129 replies

I also have the same problem. It seems that Sonos should have simply skipped updates for iOS < 10, which they did not. The iPad has not changed, the hardware has NOT changed, jgatle, and Sonos broke their own product by updating blindly and carelessly, without making a check on the version. Having made the mistake, they do not provide a way to rectify it.

The firmware on the hardware most certainly did change, and the hardware is useless without the firmware.


One certain way to avoid the update chaos is to just switch off all sonos devices, sell if possible, and switch to another user-friendly system.


Something which you refuse to do, even after your frequent and repeated complaints. So despite the fact you pimp the long extinct Squeezebox every chance you can, it seems you just can't give up on Sonos.


My complaints are frequent because Sonos presents these updates without warning. I don't need recently played - so why must I update?


Once again - YOU DON'T HAVE TO UPDATE!!!!!!!

There was guy here who kept his system at 4.0 for years. Nothing forced him to update, and nothing is forcing you.


So why can't I switch off the blasted Update Icon/item ?


You can't because Sonos wants you to update. If it bothers you so much that you have to get rid of it, that's your problem. I suggest a nice cup of chamomile.
Userlevel 6
Badge +14
Or a bottle of mother's ruin? More my taste, these days 😃
Found a partial workaround for playing Spotify music on Sonos. The Spotify app will still let you select the Sonos speakers as output channel. You can control all the playback features from Spotify app. For now. Just wont install & link new speakers but you can use your phone for that.
Userlevel 7
Badge +23
Go to the App Store and download SonoPad. Third party Sonos app that works on old iOS hardware.
Thanks just the key is to get an official app from Sonos. That will support our community and our old devices
Fyi you can also use Spotify app to cast to Sonos but the key is to use an official Sonos application that will have the basic function ( cut version of the new version)
You know add remove room volume select songs from online service ....that's it ..not a lot to ask 😉
I have my Sonos controller on several iOS devices but after the most recent Sonos update I cannot start the Sonos Controller on my iPad with iOS 9.3.5. (it's an older iPad and iOS 9.3.5 is the most recent iOS for that device). I can start Sonos controller on my iPhone iOS 11.0.3 and then the iPad with iOS 9.3.5. picks that up and I can then continue to use the iPad with Sonos controller to choose music and so on. Not a huge thing and I have a work around but something is not working as it should, the Sonos 8.1 Software release notes say iOS 9 and higher. Can you let me know how to fix the problem?
Thanked for the education.
You just know that SONOS does not give a flying F____. Leave it to the free market and the solution will create the solution. It will be up to us as buyers of SONOS hardware to recommend to potential buyers ... OR NOT.
Get Sonopad from the App store. It works and you don't have to tear you hair out with the SONOS people.
no solution for older iphones with Sonopad - strike one !
Userlevel 1
no solution for older iphones with Sonopad - strike one ! - just downloaded Sonopad for my husband's iPad and there "does" seem to be an app for iPhones. Did not dig deeper to see if useful for older devices.
Userlevel 1
The Help Desk's replies have become more nuanced over the past 10 days:
Hello ,


As of our 10.1 update there have been a few changes made to the minimum supported version of operating systems for the Sonos controller. You should have received emails and in-app messaging detailing this change to alert you ahead of time so that you could disable the automatic updates of your application if you wished to remain on the old version.

Information on this release can be found here: https://www.sonos.com/en-us/software/release/10-1

Keeping your system up to date is the only way to ensure reliability for the system and access to all features, Music Services, and player updates that Sonos releases. As the iOS, Mac, Android and Windows platforms continue to update, we need to ensure we can support their software requirements.

As a result, this can lead to manufacturers' older products losing functionality with their Sonos system. We do our best to support them for as long as we can but also want to make sure it doesn't result in further interruptions with playing music. We have no intentions of planned obsolescence as all of our devices with the exception of the original hand held controller are still fully functional within the Sonos app.

At this time, we don't have the ability to downgrade your software but should you choose not to upgrade any further, you can make sure you do not allow Automatic Updates in the "Settings > Software Updates" section of the Sonos app.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us by replying to this email or you can browse our online FAQ forum at www.sonos.com/support.

Your Case Number is XXXXXXXX.


Regards,

Daniel D.
Sonos | Customer Care | Contact Us
Ask questions, find answers, and share your thoughts on the Sonos Community.
It has become apparent that Sonos is entirely comfortable to instruct their "Help Desk" to imply need to purchase another Apple Inc device, but pointedly does not recommend Sonopad or Sonophone in their long winded (but not useful) response to this issue. Ironic.
Meanwhile, not everyone will have the foresight to look on this forum.
I rarely complain, but this time I am mad! Just wrote to the Help Desk again, for what it's worth.

Why should Sonos recommend third-party apps that don't even meet the requirements for a fully supported controller? If you don't have other mobile devices you won't be able to manage your Sonos system, starting with not being able to enter the room settings.
same issue!!!! terrible customer experience. we all can't go out and buy new iPad to run sonos
😠
Badge +1
I have downloaded the Sonopad app to my iPad. everything seems okay with it although I am not sure you can use it to add speakers. At least it means I can use the iPad still. I never got the email from Sonos warning about the update though.
Userlevel 5
Badge +13
This is really a poor decision by Sonos in my opinion. I don't care if I do not have the newest and best - it was working just fine.

Nobody is saying you need the newest and best iPad.

You just need iOS 10.
Apple stopped updating your device.
😠 Same problem here I use it in my restaurant!!!! PLZ SONOS make something !!
Userlevel 5
Badge +13
:@ Same problem here I use it in my restaurant!!!! PLZ SONOS make something !!

Get a supported controller.

i.e. one running iOS 10 or higher, or an Android devices running 5.0 or higher.
I like the quality sound of Sonos speakers. I would not have invested, however, had I known the required software was so limited. Wooden interface on Mac and PC, 60,000 track limit, unable to play directly from iTunes (with my speakers), cannot get Plex to work, no support for IOS 9.3.5. I will not be expanding my system.
Userlevel 5
Badge +13
no support for IOS 9.3.5

Apple barely supports that device, why should Sonos?

Sonos System Requirements

Also if you have an Airplay compatible, and an up to date OS, you can always Airplay to Sonos.
My point was that having bought some impressive hardware, it was not apparent at the time that the software would have severe limitations. When I recently upgraded the Sonos player on my desktop Mac I found my iPad was 'obsolete' as far as Sonos is concerned. I believe I can play directly from iTunes via Airplay 2 if I purchase one of the later speakers. As I understand it, however, my original Play 1 and Play 3 units will not work independently of the new speaker. So without purchasing new speakers or a new iPad the usability of my system is compromised. I think I will try SonoPad.
Userlevel 5
Badge +13
I found my iPad was 'obsolete' as far as Sonos is concerned.

As far as Apple is concerned.