Sonos Unveils Ace Ultra Headphones and Beam Ultra Soundbar With AI Features

Sonos has built a strong reputation in the home audio market, known for its wireless speakers and soundbars. The company has occasionally ventured into headphones, but fans have long asked for a more advanced, premium model that could integrate deeply with the Sonos ecosystem. In the months leading up to September 2026, rumors and leaks hinted that Sonos was preparing a major hardware update, including new headphones and a next-generation soundbar.

Enthusiasts and tech outlets speculated about features like Dolby Atmos, improved noise cancellation, and AI-powered software. By late August 2026, leaked graphics circulated on tech sites, suggesting the imminent arrival of products called "Ace Ultra" and "Beam Ultra."

On September 1, 2026, Sonos officially announced the launch of the Ace Ultra headphones and Beam Ultra soundbar. According to Forbes, leaked images had already primed the tech community for the reveal.

TechRadar reported that Sonos CEO Tom Conrad highlighted the new headphones' ability to deliver what fans wanted from the original Ace, with improved sound quality, noise canceling, and seamless connection to Sonos systems. The Beam Ultra soundbar was introduced as a compact model with true Dolby Atmos capability, featuring up-firing speakers for immersive audio, as described by Gizmodo.

CNET confirmed that the Beam Ultra is a 7.1.2-channel soundbar, priced at $699, slotting between the existing Beam and the larger Arc Ultra in Sonos's lineup. The Ace Ultra headphones, meanwhile, are priced at $449, according to Bloomberg Technology. Both products are now available for preorder.

The launch was not just about hardware. Sonos also unveiled a major update to its software, rebranding its operating system as Sonos 27 and introducing AI-powered features. Wired and AppleInsider noted that the new software includes optional AI assistants and even a ChatGPT tie-in for music control. Sonos says these features are opt-in, aiming to give users more intelligent automation and voice options.

The Verge and other outlets reported that the company's open house event showcased these products and updates, with early hands-on impressions generally positive about the sound quality and design.

As of early September 2026, Sonos's new Ace Ultra headphones and Beam Ultra soundbar are available for preorder in the US. The company is positioning these products as its most advanced offerings yet, both in hardware and software. The Beam Ultra brings Dolby Atmos to a compact form, while the Ace Ultra aims to be the go-to headphones for Sonos users wanting deep integration and high-end sound.

The software update, Sonos 27, is rolling out alongside the hardware. Early coverage suggests that Sonos is trying to move beyond just speakers, aiming for a broader role in smart home audio through AI and automation.

The next steps will be how these new products perform once they reach customers later this year. Reviews and user feedback will reveal whether Sonos delivers on its claims of improved sound, smarter features, and seamless ecosystem integration. The success of the AI-powered Sonos 27 platform will also be closely watched, especially after previous issues with software updates.