Bose has released the SoundTouch API documentation before shutting down cloud services, enabling developers and users to extend device functionality and reduce the impact of end-of-life limitations.
Bose has open sourced the SoundTouch API documentation for its SoundTouch home theatre smart speakers, ahead of the platform’s planned end-of-life, in a move that shifts control back to users and the developer community.
The decision comes as SoundTouch Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars are set to lose cloud connectivity and several smart features after February 18, following an announcement made by Bose in October last year. Without cloud services, the devices would otherwise be restricted to basic AUX, HDMI, or Bluetooth connections, significantly reducing their functionality.
By releasing the SoundTouch API documentation, Bose enables developers and advanced users to maintain, extend, or recreate features locally, even after official cloud support is withdrawn. The open source move positions community-driven development as a way to preserve the usability of SoundTouch hardware beyond its commercial lifecycle.
Bose has also confirmed that AirPlay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after end-of-life, ensuring continued access to popular wireless streaming options. SoundTouch devices that support AirPlay 2 will retain the ability to play the same audio simultaneously, allowing limited multi-room playback.
In addition, Bose will release an updated version of the SoundTouch app on May 6, 2026. The update will support features that operate locally without cloud connectivity and will be applied automatically. “No action will be required on your part. Opening the app will apply the update automatically,” Bose stated.
The company has also provided a workaround for presets, advising users to rely on favourites within music service apps rather than the SoundTouch cloud infrastructure.
By open sourcing its APIs instead of fully abandoning the platform, Bose sets a notable precedent for how consumer electronics vendors can responsibly manage cloud-dependent products at end-of-life.
