History of SoundSticks in Timeline

SoundSticks are multimedia speakers manufactured by Harman Kardon, initially co-developed with Apple. Released in 2000, this 2.1 system includes two satellite speakers and a subwoofer known as the iSub (which was initially sold separately). Designed by Jony Ive, the speakers are known for their distinctive industrial design, earning them design awards. Harman Kardon has released updated versions of the SoundSticks in 2004, 2009, 2012, and 2020.

October 1999: Apple Announces iSub Subwoofer

In October 1999, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the iSub, a 6-inch subwoofer compatible with slot-loading iMacs G3s and PowerPC Macs with Apple Pro Speakers. The iSub retailed for $99 and was designed by Jony Ive.

October 1999: iSub Original Release

In October 1999, Harman Kardon released the iSub as a standalone product, prior to the release of the SoundSticks system.

July 2000: SoundSticks Introduced at Macworld Expo

At the July 2000 Macworld expo, Harman Kardon and Apple introduced the SoundSticks, a 2.1 system with a new revision of the iSub. Apple led the industrial design and mechanical engineering to fit them into its product family.

July 2000: SoundSticks Release

In July 2000, Harman Kardon released the SoundSticks multimedia speakers, co-developed with Apple Inc. The system featured a 2.1 setup with satellite speakers and the iSub subwoofer.

2000: SoundSticks Win Design Award

In 2000, SoundSticks won an Industrial Design Excellence Award and were featured on the cover of I.D. magazine.

2001: The Mac Observer Review

In 2001, The Mac Observer reviewed the SoundSticks and reported "the sound is crystal clear without audible distortion" and produced strong results for music and movies, but criticized the price as being higher than comparable or superior systems.

2002: CNET Review

In 2002, CNET rated the SoundSticks four stars, praising the easy setup, design, and audio quality, but criticized the lack of physical controls and the limited support for Windows-based computers.

2004: SoundSticks II Release

In 2004, Harman Kardon released the updated SoundSticks II, a revision of the original SoundSticks.

2009: SoundSticks III Release

In 2009, Harman Kardon released the SoundSticks III, featuring a styling change with black highlights.

2011: SoundSticks Review

A 2011 review of SoundSticks was positive, but criticized the lack of a headphone input and noted the iSub LED could not be turned off without turning off the entire system.

2012: SoundSticks Wireless Introduction

In 2012, Harman Kardon introduced an updated version of SoundSticks III with Bluetooth connectivity, called SoundSticks Wireless.

August 2013: Wired Review

In August 2013, a review by Wired rated SoundSticks 5 out of 10 points, praising the design and the sound but criticizing the placement of the controls and the Bluetooth reliability.

2013: SoundSticks Featured in Film

In 2013, SoundSticks were prominently featured in the film Begin Again.

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2013: iSub Added to MoMA Collection

In 2013, the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan added an iSub to its collection.

2015: Apple Discontinues Retailing SoundSticks

In 2015, Apple stopped selling SoundSticks in their stores, but they are still sold by Harman Kardon.

2019: Forbes Retrospective

In 2019, a retrospective by Forbes praised the SoundSticks as "a classic piece of kit that's stood the test of time and is as good today as when it was introduced" and "still have the look of an iconic industrial design, almost two decades on", and noted their current retail price was lower than when they launched almost 20 years earlier.