Sonos enthusiasts might be feeling a bit underwhelmed as the company works to resolve issues stemming from its May app update. However, excitement is brewing over the anticipated release of the Sonos Arc Ultra. Recently, high-quality images of this upcoming Dolby Atmos flagship soundbar emerged on X (formerly Twitter) on September 17, showing a design similar to previously leaked, lower-resolution photos.
Arc Ultra ($999) https://t.co/z6sXvj2dAg pic.twitter.com/iuwG2vGXDv
— Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin) September 17, 2024
The individual behind the leak, known as Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin), named after the famous fictional French burglar, has consistently shared accurate leaked images in recent months, adding credibility to these recent Sonos revelations.
In the images, you can also spot another impending product, the Sonos Sub 4, which appears to mirror the current third-generation Sub, but sports a fresh matte finish.
Though Sonos hasn’t officially acknowledged the Arc Ultra, there have been reports suggesting it was inadvertently listed on the company’s website before being quickly removed. A report earlier this year by Bloomberg described a new soundbar under the code name “Lasso,” which is said to improve upon the existing Sonos Arc. Sources refer to the advanced technology behind this product as stemming from Dutch audio firm Mayht, acquired by Sonos in 2022.
The leaked photos depict a soundbar that closely resembles the existing Sonos Arc but appears slightly larger and features new top-mounted controls alongside a rectangular rear module that serves as the speaker base. This design allows the sides of the soundbar to seem to float when mounted on a surface.
Another image illustrates how the soundbar would appear when wall-mounted, accompanied by two Sonos Sub 4 units.
According to Lupin, the expected price for the Sonos Arc Ultra is $999, which reflects a $100 increase over the current Arc’s cost. However, Chris Welch from The Verge speculates it could be even higher, potentially reaching $1,199, a figure that aligns with the previous accidental listing on Sonos’s site.
As for when the Sonos Arc Ultra will be released, it might be soon. That said, it would be unwise for Sonos to introduce a new soundbar—or any fresh product—while still dealing with significant issues related to their app. Customer dissatisfaction stemming from the problematic update lingers, and any new product announcements could be met with skepticism. This isn’t the ideal environment companies aim to cultivate for a product launch.