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Question

macOS and iOS App Design

  • August 5, 2026
  • 7 replies
  • 90 views
J
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I am long time Sonos user of 25+ year, when Sonos first came out with their products,  including the CR-100 remote control.

 

I use my Sonos system largely through a Crestron back end and a Josh front end for voice control.

 

I was having some problems and had to access the Sonos app on my iPhone (for the first time in over a years, when I installed the V4 subs) and was appalled at how absolutely impossible it is to navigate and use the new supposedly improved iOS app.  The CR-100 of 25 years ago was light years better than this!

In the hope that my macOS and Windows versions of the app would offer some relief, I re-installed old versions that I had only to discover that they are no go with the S2 platform.  More progress!

While I understand that technology moves on and hardware / software evolve wth it, it is mind numbing that access, capability, control, enjoyment and usability to name but a few have regressed to this extent. We have less functionality than the CR-100 and CR-200 of 25+ year ago had!! 

 

While there was initial hope that the leadership change which promised to fix the software problem would deliver, I see nothing.  Why would something as simple as being able to organize and sort stations be removed, help me understanding the thought that went not this decisions (as well as many others).  I use no other software that has the restrictions, not one!

 

While SONOS has delivered of enjoyment there will be a lot of soul searching when S3 comes out as it will likely be a platform.  No matter how good teh hardware is, lost software kills it, full stop. It is like super car with no gas!

 

Wondering whether anyone has workaround for organizing station order and -- god forbid -- naming them in a manner that was allowed under S1.

Thank you!

 

7 replies

106rallye
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  • 106rallye
  • August 5, 2026

You complain, but do not point to any direct point you would want to change in the app. This makes it hard to relate to your post.

I do not understand you share you say “ Ire-installed old versions that I had only to discover that they are no go with the S2 platform.”  The Sonos app for Mac can be downloaded here (https://support.sonos.com/en/downloads) and should work with any S2 system. Since the apps are linked to the firmware versions on the devices older app versions might not work x not because of S1(S2, but because of the version differences. Be aware that you cannot set up systems with the Mac (or PC) app.

MoPac
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  • MoPac
  • Headliner III
  • August 6, 2026

I’ll bet if I just started to work with Crestron software there would be a learning curve.  Probably a few 4-letter words as well.

Yes it would be nice to be able to edit the order of Stations.  That suggestion has been made already.  There are a few other tweaks that would be nice as well.  Maybe suggest a few.

    C
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    • craigski
    • Local Superstar
    • August 6, 2026

    I use my Sonos system largely through a Crestron back end and a Josh front end for voice control.

     

    I was having some problems and had to access the Sonos app on my iPhone (for the first time in over a years, when I installed the V4 subs) and was appalled at how absolutely impossible it is to navigate and use the new supposedly improved iOS app.  The CR-100 of 25 years ago was light years better than this!

    .

    Wondering whether anyone has workaround for organizing station order and -- god forbid -- naming them in a manner that was allowed under S1.

    Simple. If you have or have access to Creston expertise, then setup some simple Sonos Apple Shortcuts to provide instant access to group/set volume/play content. Will provide a simple interface for your favourite station(s). Use the iOS manage home screen to name and place any order you want. Creston also supports Apple Shortcuts, so could be combined with existing Creston capabilities interfacing into other systems. I don't recall the 22 year old CR-100 able to do this.

      K
      • kdowling
      • August 6, 2026

      Apple Shortcuts would be a great idea for this.

      Edit: Remembering incorrectly about CR-100. You could add new radio station urls / names using the Desktop Controller. They would appear in the Internet Radio list on the CR-100. You could mark them as Favorite Stations from there.

        C
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        • craigski
        • Local Superstar
        • August 6, 2026

        Apple Shortcuts would be a great idea for this.

        The radio stations/shows I listen to are mainly BBC, using Sonos BBC Sounds service. I add the Stations I listen to as Sonos Favourite, then add shortcut to play that favourite in specific rooms at specific volume. One click on phone, or for the favourite favourites a tap next to a NFC Tag in strategic locations using Apple Shortcut Automation (zero clicks required).

        Will be easier with iOS27, as will be able to use natural language with Apple Intelligence, rather than click around an App.

        https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-27-shortcuts/

          controlav
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          • controlav
          • Lead Maestro
          • August 8, 2026

          Edit: Remembering incorrectly about CR-100. You could add new radio station urls / names using the Desktop Controller. They would appear in the Internet Radio list on the CR-100. You could mark them as Favorite Stations from there.

          You can still do this using the S1 desktop controller and using my app on S2.

          Author of the leading independent Sonos apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows and Xbox.
          MoPac
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          • MoPac
          • Headliner III
          • August 8, 2026

          I too use Shortcuts that are set up to play certain radio stations.  I still wish Sonos would add a Sort option ( 3 lines for dragging up or down ) for the Stations list so I could put my favs on top.

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