# Bose SoundDock > audio dock for Apple iPods and iPhones **Wikidata**: [Q4947211](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4947211) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bose_SoundDock) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bose-sounddock ## Summary The Bose SoundDock is a specialized audio docking station designed for Apple iPods and iPhones, manufactured by Bose Corporation. Produced from 2004 to 2017, it serves as a peripheral that functions as both a loudspeaker and a docking station, allowing users to play media from their portable Apple devices. ## Key Facts - **Manufacturer**: Bose Corporation - **Production Span**: 2004 to 2017 (start_time: 2004; end_time: 2017) - **Classification**: Instance of a **docking station** and a **subclass of loudspeaker** - **Primary Function**: Audio dock for media playback - **Device Compatibility**: Specifically designed for **Apple iPods and iPhones** - **Metadata**: Has a **sitelink_count** of 1 and a **Wikipedia** entry in **English** - **External References**: Includes a **Fandom** article ID (apple:Bose_SoundDock) - **Wikidata Description**: "audio dock for Apple iPods and iPhones" ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary function of the Bose SoundDock? A: The Bose SoundDock functions as an audio dock and loudspeaker, specifically engineered to play media from connected Apple iPods and iPhones. ### Q: Who manufactured the Bose SoundDock and when was it available? A: The device was manufactured by the Bose Corporation and was available on the market from 2004 until 2017. ### Q: Is the Bose SoundDock a standard docking station? A: While it is an instance of a docking station, it is a specialized subclass of loudspeaker intended for media playback rather than a general port replicator for computers. ### Q: Does the Bose SoundDock work with non-Apple devices? A: The source material identifies the device as an audio dock specifically for Apple iPods and iPhones, with no mention of cross-brand compatibility. ### Q: Where can the Bose SoundDock be found in knowledge databases? A: It is documented on Wikipedia (English), Wikidata, and Fandom (article ID: apple:Bose_SoundDock). ## Why It Matters The Bose SoundDock represents a significant application of docking station technology tailored specifically for the digital music boom of the mid-2000s. By integrating the **iPod** and **iPhone** into a home audio system, it bridged the gap between portable music libraries and high-fidelity stationary listening. Unlike general-purpose docking stations that focus on productivity and connectivity (such as laptop docks), the SoundDock mattered for its role in enhancing the consumer media experience. It demonstrated the versatility of the "docking station" class, moving beyond simple port replication or charging to become a dedicated audio subsystem. Its production longevity (2004–2017) underscores the sustained demand for dedicated speaker docks within the Apple ecosystem. ## Notable For - **Specialization**: Distinguished as a **subclass of loudspeaker**, focusing entirely on audio output rather than data transfer or video. - **Apple Ecosystem Integration**: Notable for its exclusive design compatibility with **Apple iPods and iPhones**. - **Manufacturer Legacy**: Produced by **Bose Corporation**, a prominent entity in the audio equipment space. - **Taxonomy**: Categorized as a **docking station**, linking it to broader hardware concepts like port replicators and cradles, yet distinct in its audio application. - **Historical Range**: Maintained a market presence for over a decade (2004–2017). ## Body ### Product Definition and Classification The Bose SoundDock is defined as a hardware device that breaks out specific functionality for a mobile host device. Classified as an **instance of** a **docking station**, it adheres to the general definition of a peripheral that attaches to a computer or mobile device to provide input, output, or communication functions. However, it is further distinguished as a **subclass of loudspeaker**, indicating its primary output is audio. This categorization separates it from other types of docking stations, such as **port replicators** or **lapdocks**, which prioritize video output, data connectivity, or desktop replication. ### Technical Specifications and Compatibility As a specialized audio dock, the Bose SoundDock interfaces with host devices using a proprietary connection method tailored to the **Apple iPod** and **iPhone**. While modern universal docking stations often utilize standards like **USB-C** (e.g., **Delock 87772**) or **Thunderbolt**, the SoundDock relies on the specific connector architecture of its compatible Apple devices. It functions not only as an output device (loudspeaker) but likely serves as an **energy source** or charging dock, consistent with the broader capabilities of the docking station class. The device does not appear to support video outputs (like HDMI or DisplayPort) or Ethernet networking, which are common features of full-fledged laptop or mobile desktop docks. ### Manufacturer and History The **Bose Corporation** manufactured the SoundDock, with the product's timeline spanning from **2004** to **2017**. This period places the SoundDock alongside the evolution of mobile media players and the rise of the smartphone. Its introduction in 2004 aligns with the growing popularity of the iPod, while its discontinuation in 2017 suggests a shift in consumer behavior toward wireless streaming solutions. The product is documented under the **Wikipedia title** "Bose SoundDock" and appears in the **Category:Docking stations**. ### Context within Docking Station Technologies The Bose SoundDock is one of several specific implementations of docking station technology. While general docking stations like the **PowerBook Duo Dock** or **Microsoft Display Dock** (released November 20, 2015) focus on expanding a device into a full workstation or desktop environment, the SoundDock focuses on media enrichment. It shares the "cradle" form factor with devices like the **PowerBook Duo MiniDock** but lacks the expansion slots or multiple peripheral ports found in those computer-centric docks. Related technologies that emphasize extending mobile functionality include **Samsung DeX**, which allows phones to run a desktop-like interface, and **Lapdocks** like the **Motorola Lapdock**. In contrast, the Bose SoundDock represents the **Audio Docks** category, paralleling how specialized **Hard Drive Bays** (e.g., **Sabrent DS-SC4B**) serve specific storage functions within the docking station ecosystem. ### Documentation and Metadata In structured data repositories, the Bose SoundDock is identified with the description "audio dock for Apple iPods and iPhones." It is associated with a **sitelink_count** of 1, reflecting its presence on **Wikipedia** in the **English** language. Additionally, it is referenced on **Fandom** with the article ID `apple:Bose_SoundDock`. The entity connects to the broader concept of **docking stations** (Wikidata ID: **Q1137206**), which encompasses devices ranging from simple port replicators to complex integration hubs like the **HP 95LX’s Station95**.