It’s a new chapter in the world of home audio. After eight years of fruitful collaboration, Sonos and IKEA have officially announced the end of their partnership. The famous Symfonisk speakers, which have harmoniously combined audio technology and home furnishings, will no longer be available in new versions. This decision marks a turning point for both companies and gives fans one last chance to purchase these innovative products.
The end of an innovative alliance that changed home audio
The collaboration between the Swedish furniture giant and the American audio specialist began in 2019 with the launch of the first Symfonisk speaker lamp. The aim of this alliance was to integrate audio technologies into everyday objects to make high-quality sound more accessible and better integrated into our homes. IKEA contributed its expertise in Scandinavian design, while Sonos provided the sound quality and seamless integration into its connected audio ecosystem.
According to The Verge, the two companies have ended their collaboration and will not be developing any new products in the future. The current stock of Symfonisk speakers has been removed from IKEA stores and there are no plans to replenish it.
A Sonos spokesperson confirmed the news: “Although our partnership has ended and we will not be launching any new products as a partner, we will continue to support all existing Symfonisk products so that our customers can continue to enjoy great sound in their homes.
Products praised for their originality and convenience
The Symfonisk range is characterized by its innovative approach of integrating the speakers into a variety of everyday objects:
- Table and floor lamps that combine light and sound
- Speakers in the form of wall brackets
- Speaker panels that hide the technology behind a decorative façade
This fusion of furniture and audio technology met a real need: to have access to high-quality sound without increasing the number of visible devices or cluttering the living space. In addition, these products offered an easier entry into the world of Sonos, which is traditionally located in the premium segment.
The bookshelf speaker in particular received rave reviews for its sound quality, so much so that it competed with some of the more expensive Sonos models when it was launched. Many users have integrated these speakers into their Sonos home theater systems as rear satellites, proving their versatility.
A design that blends into the home
One of the key strengths of this range is its ability to blend in visually while delivering an immersive sound experience. IKEA explained at the launch: “SYMFONISK with WiFi literally takes sound to a new level. The combination of two powerful mood makers means one less cable to hide, one less socket to reach and one less product to buy.”
This approach perfectly reflects IKEA’s philosophy of creating functional, aesthetically pleasing and accessible objects while integrating new technologies for everyday use.
What does the future hold for existing products?
If you already own Symfonisk speakers, don’t panic. Sonos has officially assured that software support will be maintained for all existing products. This means that your speakers will continue to function normally within the Sonos ecosystem and receive the necessary updates.
However, based on Sonos’ usual practices, this support could be limited in time, estimated at five to seven years. You should keep this in mind if you want to upgrade your current installation.
For those looking to buy these products, this is probably the last chance. The remaining stock in IKEA stores will not be restocked. Also, contrary to expectations, no bargain sales have been announced for the time being.
The reasons for the unexpected cutback
Although the official reasons for the split have not been detailed, there are several factors that could explain the decision. The end of the partnership comes at a particular time for Sonos, which is going through a difficult period. The company has recently lost its CEO, discontinued its streaming box project and lowered the prices of some of its speakers.
The year 2024 has also been complicated for Sonos, especially with the launch of a new application that has attracted a lot of criticism from users. In the face of these challenges, the American company seems to want to refocus on its core business and its higher-margin premium products.
The most likely scenario is that the partnership was no longer profitable or at least no longer aligned with Sonos’ new strategic direction. The recent international trade tensions and the new import taxes may also have played a role in this decision.
Diverging strategies
This split could also reflect different visions for the future. Sonos may want to capture the entry-level segment, while IKEA wants to develop its own audio solution that is more integrated into the TRADFRI home automation ecosystem.
In an increasingly competitive market with new players such as Samsung pushing ahead with their acquisitions in the audio sector, the two companies may have preferred to take different paths.
A last chance for enthusiasts
If you’re interested in buying a Symfonisk speaker, it’s now or never. The IKEA stores still have limited stock, but it will not be renewed. Please note that no discount has been announced, so don’t count on any special offers.
For those who already have a system and want to add to it, the advice is simple: don’t wait too long. Once stocks are exhausted, these products will only be available second-hand.
Despite the end of this collaboration, the Symfonisk range will be remembered as a successful example of innovation in the home cinema sector, as it has shown that it is possible to harmoniously combine technology and interior design. An eight-year adventure that left its mark on the industry and inspired many other similar initiatives.
Have you already integrated Symfonisk speakers into your home? What do you expect from the next generation of home audio products? Is visual discretion an important criterion when choosing audio equipment?