Sonos One, Play:5 and Playbase speakers getting AirPlay 2 update
Apple's protocol coming to the connected speakers
Sonos has confirmed which of its speakers are getting the AirPlay 2 audio update from Apple. In the coming weeks, the Play:5, Playbase and Sonos One will all start getting Apple AirPlay 2 support.
And, as a welcome extra for die-hard Sonos fans, the extra processing power of the newer speakers can be used to allow older Sonos gear to piggyback and gain the benefits of the AirPlay 2 feature, giving you around-the-home control of all your Sonos devices.
What does AirPlay 2 offer?
Now, as Sonos owners will know, the connected speaker system already offers multi-room audio, while the Sonos One goes a step further and offers Alexa voice control integration too. So what will AirPlay 2 offer?
It's really an upgrade in convenience for those locked-in to Apple's ecosystem. The update will make your speaker compatible with the Home app, letting it become part of smart home automation routines, and making multi-room control of the devices possible through Apple's own smart home controller.
In addition, it'll be a fantastic party feature, as it allows multiple iOS users on a network to independently add songs to a playlist, without the need to share devices or disconnect a lead device first.
With the combination of AirPlay support, Amazon's Alexa in its Sonos One speaker and it's own multi-room capabilities, its good to see Sonos making the right moves to stay one step ahead of the smart speaker competition.
- Best smart speakers: which connected audio device is for you?
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press.