LG has announced a new lineup of xboom speakers ahead of CES 2026, continuing its collaboration with will.i.am. The partnership, which positions the musician as an “experimental architect,” spans product development, design input, and brand direction. While the branding element is prominent, the more concrete takeaway is that LG is leaning further into software-driven features, particularly AI-based audio and lighting adjustments.
Across the new xboom range, LG is emphasizing algorithms that automatically tune equalization based on both the audio content and the surrounding environment. The idea is to reduce the need for manual adjustment by adapting playback to the room or outdoor space. Some models also include AI-controlled ambient lighting that changes in response to the music, reinforcing the speakers’ role as lifestyle products rather than purely utilitarian audio gear.
The largest of the new devices is the xboom Stage 501, which LG is positioning toward parties and karaoke use. In addition to standard playback, it includes vocal-removal and pitch-adjustment features designed to work with most songs. LG claims up to 25 hours of battery life, with the option to operate while plugged in. The speaker outputs up to 220 watts through a combination of dual woofers and full-range drivers, and its five-sided cabinet allows it to be positioned either vertically or horizontally.
The xboom Blast takes on a more traditional boombox form factor. It includes a 99Wh battery that LG says can deliver up to 35 hours of continuous playback. The design prioritizes portability and durability, with reinforced edges and a rope-style handle intended for outdoor use.
At the smaller end of the lineup are the Mini and the Rock. The Mini is a compact speaker with a claimed ten hours of battery life, a strap for hanging or carrying, and a built-in tripod mount, suggesting use cases ranging from desks to lightweight travel setups. The Rock is slightly larger, shaped for easy gripping, and designed with durability in mind. LG says it has been tested against multiple military-grade standards, positioning it as an update to the earlier XG2 model rather than a completely new concept.
LG has not yet shared pricing or precise release dates for any of the new xboom speakers. The company has confirmed that all four models are expected to launch at some point in 2026 and will be showcased at its CES booth in Las Vegas. As with many pre-CES announcements, the reveal is less about immediate availability and more about signaling direction. In this case, LG appears focused on blending familiar portable speaker formats with increasingly automated audio processing, betting that convenience and adaptability will matter as much as raw sound specifications.
