New Speakers from Ikea Set to Launch in January
The Swedish furniture giant Ikea has announced plans to introduce up to ten new speakers in January, as it shifts focus towards Bluetooth and quick-to-music features in the wake of its ended partnership with Sonos, reports 24brussels.
Ikea’s new strategy aims to make sound more accessible, with plans to introduce a Blomprakt Bluetooth speaker featuring an integrated LED light bulb, expected to be priced under €100 (approximately $120). This model will hit the shelves in October, alongside the previously announced Nattbad Bluetooth speaker priced at $49.99. Both options are significantly cheaper than the Sonos collaborations that Ikea will discontinue, which included products such as the Symfonisk Wi-Fi bookshelf speaker currently listed at $179.99.
The new speakers will incorporate a dedicated Spotify Tap button, allowing users to resume playback directly from the speaker. While a Spotify account is necessary, a paid subscription is not required. Additionally, the speakers will support Bluetooth 5.3, enabling a multi-speaker setup for a more immersive audio experience, although the sound will remain mono.
Ikea’s lighting and home electronics Range Manager, David Granath, explained that the dissolution of the Sonos partnership was amicable, stemming from both companies having divergent strategies. “We had achieved what we set out to do. It wasn’t more dramatic than that,” Granath stated.
Granath emphasized the necessity of affordability in consumer electronics. He stated, “When you have to sell a speaker for over €200, you exclude a lot of people.” The company aims to serve a broader audience by ensuring that the new offerings are budget-friendly, with all expected to be under €100.
Ikea has noted multiple learnings from its eight-year collaboration with Sonos, particularly in product development and supply chain management. The company seeks to implement these insights to produce its own-branded speakers while ensuring ease of use and affordability for consumers. Granath demonstrated a prototype of a yet-to-be-announced battery-powered Bluetooth speaker featuring a unique flat design and multifunctional capabilities.
For consumers seeking higher-quality whole-home audio solutions, Ikea is involved in the Connectivity Standards Alliance working group to help standardize speakers within the Matter protocol, although full implementation remains a long-term goal. As for in-house research on emerging audio platforms, Granath has remained tight-lipped, indicating Ikea’s cautious approach towards future developments.
