You should always update all devices associated with Sonos to latest versions. Upon re- adding your Play 3’s the app will prompt you to update if required. To answer your question in the Adsense of any recent threads to support an issue you should be OK.

My firmware is up to date and the 16.x app on my iPhone 7 still works.

The reason for the question is that I would prefer to run the App ver. 16.1 until the new App is improved with better volume control & responsiveness and capable of handling album art.

For your issue with the Sonos app and Play3 speakers, the Android app version 16.1 should be compatible with the latest firmware, but it's always a good idea to check for any app or firmware updates that may have been released recently to ensure everything functions smoothly. After resetting your Play3 speakers, simply follow the setup process in the app. The app should automatically guide you to update the speakers to the latest firmware. If you're unsure, you can also check the Sonos support page or community forums for confirmation regarding compatibility with the most recent firmware. Hope that helps!

Kerawill1122 is AI imho..

I thought that there was a firmware released that mandated a similiar App version a while back and 16.1 wouldn’t work - but if MoPac is doing this fine I must have misremembered or it was a ‘scare’ tactic to encourage updates.

It may be some things quit working after the firmware update?

I have some out of support Android devices that the basics were still working on last time I checked.