LG is expanding its xboom by will.i.am speaker lineup for 2026 with four new models that lean heavily on software-driven features rather than just louder hardware. Announced ahead of CES 2026, the new xboom Stage 501, Blast, Mini, and Rock are designed to cover a wide range of use cases, from large indoor parties to outdoor trips and everyday background listening. Across the lineup, LG is emphasizing AI-based personalization, longer battery life, and tougher physical designs.
The unifying theme is what LG calls AI Sound and AI Lighting, paired with deeper integration into FYI.RAiDiO, the music platform tied to will.i.am. Rather than positioning these speakers as neutral playback devices, LG is clearly pushing the idea that they should adapt automatically to what you are listening to, where you are, and how you are using them. AI Sound dynamically adjusts equalization depending on the music genre or content, while AI Lighting syncs multicolor light bars to match rhythm and mood. Space Calibration Pro attempts to keep audio consistent as you move a speaker between indoor and outdoor environments, reducing the need for manual tweaking in companion apps.
The most attention-grabbing model is the xboom Stage 501, which LG is positioning as the centerpiece party speaker. Its standout feature is AI Karaoke Master, a system trained on more than 10,000 songs that can reduce or remove vocals from standard music tracks in real time. Unlike traditional karaoke systems that rely on specialized backing tracks, LG says this feature works with virtually any song. It can also adjust pitch, making it easier for casual users to sing along without straining. The Stage 501 delivers up to 220 watts of output when plugged in and 160 watts on battery power, with a five-sided cabinet that can be placed vertically, horizontally, tilted, or mounted on a tripod. Battery life is rated at up to 25 hours using a 99Wh swappable battery, a practical choice for long events where access to power is uncertain.
For users who care less about karaoke and more about durability, the xboom Blast targets outdoor and travel-heavy scenarios. LG rates it for up to 35 hours of playback from its 99Wh battery, alongside a 220-watt output. The design includes three passive radiators to reinforce low-end performance and a rugged exterior with edge bumpers. LG says the speaker has been tested to military-standard durability levels, though exact certifications were not detailed. Practical touches include a rope-style side handle for vertical carrying in crowds and a rubberized top handle for quick transport, signaling that this model is meant to be moved often and treated less delicately.
The xboom Mini and xboom Rock round out the lineup as smaller, more portable options. Both are rated for up to 10 hours of playback and focus on convenience rather than raw power. The Mini features a compact cube design, IP67 water and dust resistance, and Sound Field Enhance to help maintain clarity in open spaces. It also includes a Magic Strap for flexible placement and support for tripod mounting, suggesting uses on desks, balconies, or small outdoor setups. Physical controls remain tactile, avoiding full reliance on touch surfaces.
The xboom Rock is positioned as the tougher of the two compact models. LG says it has been tested against seven military standards and represents an upgrade over the previous XG2 speaker. Output power has been increased to 6 watts, and it adds support for LE Audio Auracast, which is designed to simplify audio sharing across multiple compatible speakers without complex pairing steps. A dedicated smart button provides quick access to app-based controls, reinforcing the focus on ease of use in group settings.
All four speakers will be shown publicly at CES 2026, running from January 6 to January 9 in Las Vegas. LG has not yet shared pricing or precise regional availability timelines, stating only that global rollout is planned sometime in 2026. For markets like the UAE, local launch details are expected to follow after CES.
Taken together, the new xboom lineup reflects LG’s belief that differentiation in the speaker market now comes less from raw volume and more from adaptive software features. Whether AI-driven karaoke, automatic sound tuning, or simplified group sharing proves genuinely useful in daily use will likely determine how well these speakers resonate beyond showroom demos.
