Sonos, a company known for its smart speakers and audio systems, is updating its platform to a new version called Sonos 27. This naming reflects the upcoming year, 2027, instead of using the traditional version numbering system. This approach is similar to one used by Apple during its 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the company renamed its operating systems to align with the calendar year. The deployment of Sonos 27 began on Monday, September 8, and is available at no cost to all compatible devices. The update includes a redesigned user interface with easier navigation, more swipe gestures, and the ability to pin sections of the home screen for quicker access. One of the key new features is "Portable Surrounds," which allows users to create a home cinema experience using two identical portable Sonos speakers, such as the Move 2 or Sonos Play, paired with a compatible soundbar like the new Sonos Beam Ultra. Once these speakers are moved from their usual location, they automatically return to their autonomous operation, providing flexibility for different listening environments. Sonos 27 also introduces AI integration through a feature called Sonos 27mcp, currently available in early access. This allows users to connect third-party AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude directly to their Sonos system using the Model Context Protocol, an open standard for AI interaction. Once connected and permissions are granted, users can control their Sonos system from the AI assistant’s interface—such as playing music in a specific room or adjusting volume. Initially, this feature is available to English-speaking users in the United States, and users can choose their preferred AI rather than being assigned one. Sonos’ own voice assistant, Sonos 27voice, is expected to be released later this autumn. Looking ahead, Sonos has announced plans for "Custom Agents," set to launch in 2027. This feature would allow users to create their own AI agents within the Sonos ecosystem, each potentially with its own AI model, personality, and voice. Additionally, the update introduces a new feature called Headphone Linking, available in early access, which allows direct sound transfer between Sonos Ace Ultra headphones and nearby Sonos speakers without using a smartphone. A single button press can switch audio between the headphones and the speakers. This feature is based on a new Wi-Fi architecture called Headphone Engine 2 and works with compatible devices like the Arc Ultra, Beam Ultra, Era 100, Era 300, Move 2, and Roam 2. Sonos 27 is available free of charge since September 8 for all products using the Sonos S2 platform, with features being rolled out progressively. Sonos 27mcp is already in early access, while Headphone Linking will be available starting September 29. The brand’s own voice assistant, Sonos 27voice, is expected later this autumn, and Custom Agents are scheduled for release in 2027.