Sonos could soon release a new Playbar, replacing its top-tier soundbar that debuted in 2013. Zatz Not Funny obtained images of the still-unofficial product, and it’s clear that Sonos plans to align the new Playbar’s appearance with the rest of its lineup through a complete redesign.
Just as it does with the Beam and One, Sonos should sell the new Playbar in two colors. The leaked renders highlight the Playbar in both black and white. It seems slimmer and much more modern, resembling other audio equipment that Sonos has introduced in the last two years. Ultimately, Sonos wants to unify its design language across all soundbars, speakers, and accessories. From the look of this redesigned Playbar, it’ll definitely accomplish that.
Zatz Not Funny didn’t retrieve images of the ports, however. It appears that Sonos will insert the power outlet, HDMI port, and any buttons in an area on the Playbar that isn’t easily visible – perhaps beneath a ‘lip’ located on the backside. Sonos typically offers buttons and ports in noticeable, easy-to-access locations, and it would surprise if the company all of a sudden decided to hide or remove some.
The new Playbar should arrive with several technologies that aren’t available in the existing model. 9to5Mac reports that Sonos will add Dolby Atmos, and Apple’s AirPlay 2 is likely built-in as well.
In addition to the Playbar, Sonos will likely unveil refreshed Play:5 and Sub models soon. Sonos announced its S2 operating system in March, and now it’s prepared to start shipping new soundbars and related home theater equipment with the software pre-installed. Most existing products will run S2 after receiving an over-the-air software update, too. Sonos plans to release S2 across new and existing products in June.
Expect to see the new Playbar, Play:5, and Sub in June, coinciding with the arrival of S2. Sonos will also set forth with a new app for iOS and Android devices around the same time.
