Here's how to roll back to the previous version of Sonos app

Update 24/05/24 02:49 pm (IST): A Reddior shared steps that enable you to downgrade to the previous Sonos app on iOS.

The key steps are as follows:

1. Contact the OP (Redditor) to get the special downgrade iTunes account details and the older 16.1 app file.
2. Delete your current Sonos app from your iPhone.
3. Download AppManager for installing the older app version.
4. Use the tool to install the 16.1 app file onto your iPhone using the provided downgrade iTunes account.
5. The old 16.1 Sonos app will now be reinstalled and working on your phone.

Some warnings:

• This process involves some technical steps but shouldn’t cause any serious issues if done correctly.
• Don’t share the special downgrade account details publicly.
• Disable app updates on the 16.1 version to prevent future updates replacing it.

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Original article published on May 10, 2024 follows:

If you’re one of the many who’re looking to roll back to an older version of the Sonos app, then you’ve come to the right place. Sonos appears to have made some questionable decisions with the latest v80 update for the app. Luckily, you can downgrade to the older S2 version of Sonos (v16.1), but there’s a catch. I’ll explain more on that later.

Steps to downgrade to older Sonos S2 app (v16.1)

Downgrading app versions has always been a breeze on Android phones. So if you don’t like the new Sonos S2 app and want to revert to the old v16.1 iteration, then follow these steps.

Rolling back to v16.1 on Android:

1. First up, uninstall the Sonos app from your Android smartphone.
2. Download the APK file for Sonos v16.1.
3. Tap on the APK file to begin the installation process. (You might have to fidget with settings to allow your Files manager or browser to ‘Install unknown apps’.)
4. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.

Once completed, you’ll now be greeted with the older Sonos app UI and features. Now let’s get to users with iOS devices.

Reverting to Sonos v16.1 on iOS:

Rolling back to an older version of an app is not a straightforward process on iOS. This is precisely the catch I mentioned at the start. While not impossible, you might be better off getting used to the new app itself.

For starters, you will have to find an older IPA file for the Sonos app. This in itself might be problematic, as there aren’t many trusted sources where you can get legit IPA files. Furthermore, some websites require a payment for access to IPA files. In case you do get your hands on the required file, you can sideload it using AltStore or Sideloadly. Even that requires some technical know-how and time. Nevertheless, if you’re determined, I’ve added a useful video below that guides you through the steps to sideload apps on iOS.

However, it’s worth noting that installing older versions of the app might not be a permanent solution. It’s possible that Sonos might disable certain functions from the older version of the app down the line.

What’s wrong with the new Sonos S2 app?

Users are unhappy with several features missing from the new Sonos app, as highlighted by The Verge. Music library features, especially search, are significantly worse. Basic functionalities like sleep timers and editing the queue are entirely absent, forcing users to switch to the desktop app to perform these tasks. Accessibility features have also regressed, although Sonos promises a fix by June.

While some users appreciate the new design and customizability, power users are particularly frustrated by the lack of features and seek ways to get back to the previous version. This means they have to choose between the new design and essential functionalities.

Anyway, I hope this guide helped you revert to the old Sonos S2 app, at least on Android. If you successfully got back the older version of the Sonos app on your iPhone, do let me know in the comments below.