Sonos controller problem on iOS 9.3.5
Userlevel 1
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?
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Sounds like you work for Sonos to me, I think given the price of Sonos equipment, they might offer a little more support.
Being someone who deals with software that runs on both Android and iOS, I can assure you that this is a result of the change by Apple, not something that Sonos wants to do. As soon as they can no longer get support from Apple on the code base, they're in a bad position, and must stop supporting that particular version of the operating system. It's Apple who's out to get your money....
I don't believe this is correct. When searching and installing the Sonos app on 9.3.5, there is a message that the current version is not compatible, but a previous version is available and that installs.
My understanding is that Sonos sets an arbitrary limit to the number of past versions (3 comes to mind) that the App can lag the firmware, then the App (be design) gives an error message and does not even attempt to function. This is likely their internal definition of legacy App support to limit full compatibility requirements with past controller versions as they evolve firmware going forward.
That said, one stripped down legacy app with necessary ports for service updates doesn't seem like it would be much of a stretch. Yes, Apple no longer supports the device, but it still turns on and functions as designed. It boots, WiFi connects, the screen turns on, etc. Controller support for Sonos devices, IMHO, is squarely in Sonos's court of responsibility.
Userlevel 7
+20
I don't believe this is correct. When searching and installing the Sonos app on 9.3.5, there is a message that the current version is not compatible, but a previous version is available and that installs.
You're right about this; I was misinformed. Apologies.
So, Sonos could indeed choose to maintain legacy versions of the iOS app. All versions would need to be updated as the speaker firmware was updated. This is feasible, but would require development and support investment that would otherwise be focused on other things. It's a matter of opinion whether they're making the right trade-offs.
Also, as @airgetlam states, there's no support from Apple for development on legacy iOS versions. If Sonos hits an iOS bug, that's tough.
Actually, Apple does not allow you to update legacy versions, they must stay as originally released. That is why Sonos does not keep legacy apps, because they would almost immediately be out of sync with the firmware.
Userlevel 7
+20
Ah, that's the limitation -- thanks. That does seem rather restrictive on Apple's part.
Just to bash everyone equally, it isn't just Apple that removes access to data about older the older non-supported OS. All makers of operating systems do this.
The one answer I can give you to one of your questions is that the third party dude doesn't have a legal department (and investors/stockholders) giving them specific legal requirements.
Userlevel 2
What is your app?
I wish.
I just have a basic understanding of how electronics.... and (more specifically) how Apple works.
Like everyone else, I wished that Sonos had not dropped iOS 9.3.5 on my iPad Mini. Once I got over it, I purchased the Sonopad app and found that it is so much better than the Sonos native app. It instantly connected to my Sonos Connect systems, music library and music services and is very nice to use and intuitive (unlike Sonos app). My recommendation - stop getting frustrated with Sonos and Apple as you won't change anything. Just buy the app and carry on using your old iPAD which is easily capable of running this modern app. It costs less than a cheap album download.
Userlevel 7
+23
I get into trouble naming it too often in the forum, so I'll just suggest your check my profile.
Download SonoPhone from the App Store to control Sonos with devices with OS 9.3.5. Quite shocking when my older iPhones and iPads wouldn't work with my extensive and expensive Sonos system. I Really needed a head's up for this type of change. Take Care with your customers! Disappointing to work from another platform.
At the risk of flogging a dead horse, I would like to be able to play music directly from iTunes. IMO, it is vastly superior to any version of the Sonos App on any platform. I believe this is possible using Apple's Airplay 2, but not with my original Play 1 and Play 3 units. I'm sure this would be possible by using software, hardware or both. I rather cynically doubt, however, that Sonos or Apple would be commercially interested.
Userlevel 7
+23
Apple clearly not, but Sonos have already released multiple devices containing sufficient hardware to run Airplay 2. Not sure what more you are asking for?
I would like to be able to retrofit my speakers with Airplay 2 capability, I'm not holding my breath.
That sounds like a practical workaround. I hadn't considered leaving the 'Airplay Controller' silent, I guess I would be still able to maintain my 2 zones by grouping (or not) each pair with the new speaker. Thanks for that.
In the early days there was no 'volume limiter' in the rooms settings, so I just muted its speaker (by pressing small speaker icon in Sonos App, next to its volume slider) ... however these days I have sufficient Airplay devices to group with and cover most main rooms. It’s nearing the time though to perhaps sell some of my Play: 1’s and maybe upgrade them all to the new Sonos Ones (Gen2)... which sounds much better than the Play:1, particularly as a stereo pair... er.. that’s just IMHO.?
I suggest Every_TDH contact a lawyer about their class action lawsuit. Then report back what the lawyer says. Until one does that, it would be advisable to keep these decidedly idle threats to oneself.
Except they did mention this.
Sonos version 10.1 Now Available - Recently Played
They also have a System Requirements FAQ
If he has a computer, he can still connect to and control Sonos. Providing it's using one of the following OS' - macOS OS X 10.11 and higher or Windows 7 and higher
@ken_griffiths Thanks Ken, I'll let him know.
I saw your question and whilst a little off topic this may help.
Have you considered using the Sonos Line In with a Apple AirPort (TimeCapusal) Line out (these maybe retired from the apple line, its been a while since I looked), but I have used AirPlay to sonos this way previously.
If you happened to have the parts lying around its fairly easy with one cable, maybe worth a test if it meets your requirements before buying more dedicated hardware.
Obviously @ken_griffiths solution is a valid one based on only Sonos hardware
Hope this helps. 😃
Thanks for your input, I used to use an Apple Airport to drive a pair of active speakers from iTunes running on my iMac via an iPad app called remote. It's some time ago but I seem to remember that to play from iTunes directly to Sonos you would need a separate Airport for the left and right channels. I still have the Airport but it needs a firmware install and may be faulty, I think another pair would be hard to come by.
I agree, Sonopad is excellent, I have used it myself since 9.3.5 was no longer supported. It doesn't, however, address the Sonos app's other weaknesses like a 60,000 track limit, lack of intelligent indexing and having to constantly update the music library after adding new albums. I would prefer to play my music directly from iTunes if practically and financially feasible.
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