Why Will Some Bose Amplifiers Still Work After SoundTouch Ends While Others Won’t?

With the SoundTouch app shutting down on February 18, 2026, many clients are asking why some Bose amplifiers will continue to work after that date, while others will not.

The reason comes down to how the amplifiers were designed and whether they rely on Wi-Fi and the SoundTouch platform.

Older Bose Amplifiers: SA-1, SA-2, SA-3 — These WILL Still Work

The SA-1, SA-2, and SA-3 are hardwired analog amplifiers that do not depend on Wi-Fi or the SoundTouch platform.

•    They connect to the Bose Lifestyle console using BoseLink cables.

•    They are controlled by individual room remotes.

•    They play the same music sources that are connected to the Lifestyle console.

•    These amps were last manufactured around 2015.

Because they don't rely on SoundTouch, these older amplifiers will continue to function normally after February 18 — as long as they remain connected to a working Bose Lifestyle system.

Newer Bose Amplifiers: SA-4 and SA-5 — These Will NOT Work for Streaming

The SA-4 (introduced in 2014) and the SA-5 are Wi-Fi-based SoundTouch amplifiers.
They were designed to:

•    Stream music through the SoundTouch platform

•    Be controlled exclusively through the SoundTouch app

When the SoundTouch app and cloud servers shut down:

•    These amplifiers will no longer stream music

•    They cannot be controlled or grouped

•    They will effectively lose their primary function

This is why these newer amps will stop working for music streaming, while the older hardwired amps will not.

The Bottom Line

It may feel backward, but it’s true:

•    Older hardwired Bose amplifiers will continue to work

•    Newer Wi-Fi-based SoundTouch amplifiers will not

If you have SA-4 or SA-5 amplifiers, now is the time to start planning an upgrade path.

Need help identifying which amplifiers you own?
📞 Call 888-775-2673 or schedule a FREE virtual consultation at:
🌐 www.wbsouth.com/freeconsultation2