Bose Launches Lifestyle Collection with AirPlay Support
Bose has announced the Lifestyle Collection, a new premium home audio range comprising the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker, Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, and Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer. The new products support Apple AirPlay, allowing them to appear in Apple Home as AirPlay accessories for audio playback and automation.
The collection is designed as a modular home audio system that can be used as a standalone speaker, a soundbar-based home cinema setup, or a multiroom audio system spread across several rooms. All products connect over Wi-Fi and support Apple AirPlay, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and built-in Alexa.
Because the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker and Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar support Apple AirPlay, they can be added to Apple Home in the same way as other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers. Once added, they appear in the Home app and can be:
- Assigned to a room.
- Included in scenes and automations.
- Used as audio destinations for Apple Music and other AirPlay-compatible apps.
- Grouped with Apple devices such as HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K, as well as other AirPlay 2 speakers.
This means users can, for example, start music on the Bose speaker automatically when arriving home, or include it in a whole-home audio setup alongside existing AirPlay speakers.
The Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer does not appear independently in Apple Home, as it functions as a wireless accessory to the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar rather than as a standalone AirPlay device and is priced at US$899.
The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is a wireless smart speaker intended for use in spaces such as bedrooms, kitchens, and offices. It uses three drivers, including two front-facing drivers and one up-firing driver, and incorporates Bose’s Direct/Reflecting technology, TrueSpatial processing, and CleanBass technology. A single speaker can be used on its own, or two can be paired for stereo playback. The speaker is priced at US$299 and is also available in a limited-edition Driftwood Sand finish with a white oak base for US$349.
The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is an all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar featuring six full-range drivers, a centre tweeter, and two proprietary PhaseGuide drivers. It includes several Bose audio technologies, including:
- TrueSpatial for virtual surround effects.
- SpeechClarity for adjustable dialogue enhancement.
- CleanBass and QuietPort for improved low-frequency performance.
- CustomTune room calibration using an iPhone, iPad, or Android device microphone.
The soundbar can be used on its own or expanded with the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer and two Lifestyle Ultra Speakers to create a 7.1.4 home cinema system and is priced at US$1,099.
The new products feature fabric grilles inspired by home furnishings, with glass accents on the soundbar and subwoofer. The collection is available in Black and White Smoke, with the speaker also offered in Driftwood Sand. The updated Bose app guides users through setup and provides access to volume, source selection, equalisation, surround settings, and height adjustments. Products can also be controlled via onboard buttons, compatible TV remotes, voice commands, or directly from AirPlay-enabled apps.
Using Apple AirPlay or Google Home, the Lifestyle Collection can be grouped with compatible speakers from Bose and other manufacturers for synchronised audio playback throughout the home.
The Bose Lifestyle Collection is available to order now on Amazon.com
- Lifestyle Ultra Speaker: US$299
- Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar: US$1,099
- Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer: US$899
