Sonos is reportedly considering the reintroduction of its previous mobile app for Android and iOS after a rocky launch of its newly redesigned software earlier this year. The redesign, which debuted in May, has been widely criticized by users, earning a low average rating of 1.3 stars on Google Play. Frustrations have been so significant that Sonos has discussed bringing back the older version, known as S2, as they continue working to fix bugs and improve performance in the updated app.

Offering customers the option to revert to the older app might alleviate some dissatisfaction and reduce the pressure on Sonos to immediately address all the issues plaguing the new version. Currently, users have no choice but to use the redesigned app, despite its flaws. Though the situation has slightly improved with recent updates, the app still requires significant improvements.

Sonos CEO Patrick Spence stands by the decision to rebuild the app, arguing that it will enable the company to innovate and expand into new product areas more effectively. However, Spence admitted during a recent earnings call that the execution of the app's launch fell short, causing frustration among customers. As a result, the company has decided to delay the release of two major new products until the app's quality meets the expectations of customers and partners.

One of the delayed products is the successor to the popular Sonos Arc soundbar, which is expected to launch in October. Addressing the app's issues has become a top priority for Sonos, with Spence estimating that these efforts could cost the company between $20 and $30 million in the near term. Despite the potential return of the S2 app, updates to the new software are planned to continue every two weeks throughout the fall.

The app's troubled launch marks one of the most challenging periods in Sonos' history. Once considered a top-tier brand in consumer tech, Sonos now faces a reputation crisis due to its rushed software release. The app controversy has even overshadowed the recent launch of Sonos’ first-ever headphones, the Sonos Ace. Adding to the turmoil, Sonos recently laid off around 100 employees, further highlighting the fallout from this misstep.