Voice control functionality may be included.
During its third quarter financial briefing, Sonos announced plans to introduce a new product in September. According to a recent filing with the FCC, one of the anticipated releases is a set of headphones named “Ace Ultra.” While details in the filing are mostly classified, it appears the Ace Ultra will feature an over-ear style, reminiscent of the original Sonos Ace released in 2024. However, this new model will come in five colors: Greige, Shadow Black, Agave, Blush, and Sand, expanding the original two-color palette. (The headphones depicted above are from the earlier Sonos Ace line.)
The FCC documentation also suggests that these headphones will have support for Sonos Voice Control, the company’s proprietary voice assistant. As noted by industry sources, voice assistance is essential for devices lacking screens to effectively engage with AI and chat-based services. Sonos’ CEO, Thomas Conrad, mentioned in the earnings call that the company is focused on integrating AI extensively into its business model, indicating that the Ace Ultra may utilize some of Sonos’ current and future AI capabilities.
Notably, the launch of the original Ace was impacted by significant issues with Sonos’ app subsequent to a problematic update in 2024, which rendered the app dysfunctional and stripped it of important features. Sonos later acknowledged that the redesign was prematurely launched, as the Ace headphones were not aligned with the previous app version. Furthermore, the much-anticipated TrueCinema spatial audio enhancement feature was delayed for over a year post-launch, despite being a key selling point. TrueCinema adapts audio based on the acoustics of the room when used in conjunction with Sonos soundbars, delivering spatial audio experiences to the headphones.
The Ace Ultra is expected to be just one part of Sonos’ upcoming lineup of AI-driven products. Conrad believes that the company possesses a significant advantage in the AI home market, as it offers a comprehensive suite of audio devices designed to work seamlessly together across different spaces.
