Sonos wireless speakers have touted Apple Music compatibility in beta since last year and officially since this year, and now Apple is selling Sonos speakers for the first time. Apple’s online store will begin selling the Play:1 ($199) and Play:5 ($499, reviewed) later today, and Apple’s physical stores will carry the two speakers starting October 5.
We’re very excited to announce today that we’re making it easier than ever by expanding our collaboration with Apple and bringing Sonos into Apple’s physical and online retail stores. Two of our most popular speakers — the PLAY:1 and PLAY:5 — will be available later today at Apple.com in the USA, at 468 Apple Stores around the world starting October 5, and Apple.com in the coming weeks in most markets outside of the USA.
Sonos enables Apple Music streaming directly to the wireless speakers without Bluetooth or AirPlay from another device; your iPhone or Mac is simply the controller. Sonos also provides multi-room playback and automation that can’t be accomplished on iOS alone.
Last year when I had a chance to talk to Sonos CEO John MacFarlane, I asked why Sonos wasn’t already in Apple retail stores:
Since then, Sonos has opened its first retail store of its own in New York City, and Apple Stores carrying Sonos speakers is a major endorsement of the products.
It just got easier to #listenbetter. Sonos, available for purchase at @Apple stores on 10/5. pic.twitter.com/QAemrlkr27
— Sonos (@Sonos) September 26, 2016
