History of SoundSticks in Timeline

SoundSticks are multimedia speakers from Harman Kardon, initially co-developed with Apple and released in July 2000. Designed by Jony Ive, this 2.1 system features two satellite speakers and a subwoofer called the iSub (which was released as a standalone product in 1999). They are known for their distinctive industrial design, earning numerous awards. Harman Kardon has released updated versions of the speakers in 2004, 2009, 2012 and 2020.

October 1999: Apple Announces iSub

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. It retailed for $99 and was designed by Jony Ive.

October 1999: iSub Release

In October 1999, Harman Kardon released the iSub, a standalone subwoofer that would later be included with the SoundSticks system.

July 2000: SoundSticks Introduction 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.

July 2000: SoundSticks Release

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

2000: Industrial Design Excellence 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 reported that "the sound is crystal clear without audible distortion" and produced strong results for music and movies, but criticized the price of the SoundSticks as being higher than comparable or superior systems.

2002: CNET Review

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

2004: SoundSticks Updated Version

In 2004, Harman Kardon released an updated version of the SoundSticks.

2009: SoundSticks Updated Version

In 2009, Harman Kardon released an updated version of the SoundSticks.

2011: Review of SoundSticks

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 Updated Version

In 2012, Harman Kardon released an updated version of the SoundSticks.

2012: SoundSticks Wireless Introduction

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

August 2013: Wired Review

In August 2013, a review by Wired was mixed, rating the 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 in Begin Again 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.

2019: Forbes Retrospective on SoundSticks

In 2019, a retrospective by Forbes praised 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 noted their current retail price was lower than when they launched almost 20 years earlier.