Sonos Inc.’s interim chief executive Tom Conrad said the audio maker has “turned the corner” after months of software troubles and made clear he wants the job on a permanent basis. In a recent interview, Conrad argued the company has stabilized its products and is ready to rebuild trust among customers and investors.
The comments signal a bid for leadership continuity at a time when Sonos is working to repair damage from a contentious app overhaul that sparked user backlash. The company has been rolling out fixes and updates, while also fielding questions about product reliability and long-term strategy.
Software Stumbles And User Backlash
Sonos is known for multiroom speakers and soundbars that connect through a central app. In mid-2024, a major redesign removed or broke features that long-time users relied on, including some local library tools and alarms. Customers reported stability issues, accessibility gaps, and broken routines that had worked for years.
The reaction was swift. Social channels and support forums filled with complaints. Review scores dipped as users vented about lost functions and bugs. The company promised to restore missing features and issued patches in the months that followed.
Against that backdrop, Conrad’s statement that the company has “turned the corner” amounts to a public marker. It suggests Sonos believes the most disruptive phase has passed and that the core experience has improved.
Leadership Stakes And Board Decision
Conrad also said he wants to be named to the top job permanently. The board’s decision will determine whether Sonos leans on a leader closely tied to product work during a recovery, or looks outside for a fresh reset. Leadership clarity could help the company align product roadmaps, service reliability, and customer support under a single plan.
“Turned the corner” on software issues — and he wants to be named to the top job permanently.
A permanent appointment would be read as a vote of confidence in the current fix-and-restore strategy. A broader search could signal interest in a different approach to software quality and release cadence.
What Recovery Would Look Like
Conrad did not detail specific metrics in the interview. Still, a real recovery for Sonos would likely include fewer app crashes and edge-case failures, restored features that are widely used, and faster bug fixes.
- Feature parity with the pre-redesign app.
- Clear timelines for accessibility improvements.
- Improved app store ratings and fewer support tickets.
- Transparent release notes that track fixes and regressions.
Consistency will matter more than a single update. Customers who rely on whole-home audio expect routines and playlists to work every time, not just after a clean install.
Investor And Customer Sentiment
For investors, the main questions are churn and brand loyalty. Sonos sells hardware, but the app is the gateway to value. If the experience feels unstable, replacement cycles could slow and new buyers might hesitate. If stability holds, the company can refocus on product launches and premium pricing.
Customers, meanwhile, are likely to watch whether Sonos brings back familiar features without removing others. Trust returns when updates feel additive rather than risky. Clear communication about what is fixed and when missing features return could ease concerns.
What Comes Next
The board’s decision on Conrad’s status will shape the tempo of change. A stable hand could accelerate the current repair plan, while a new leader might review release practices and quality gates. Either path must prove that the worst of the software turmoil is in the past.
Conrad’s message is aimed at both audiences: loyal customers who want their systems to “just work” and investors who want predictable execution. If Sonos sustains improvements over the next few update cycles, the company could reclaim goodwill that slipped during the redesign.
For now, the company has set expectations with a simple claim of progress. The next few months—updates shipped, features restored, and user feedback tracked—will show whether Sonos truly has turned that corner.
Kirstie a technology news reporter at DevX. She reports on emerging technologies and startups waiting to skyrocket.
