Spotify’s Long‑Awaited Lossless Tier Nears Launch
© Spotify
Spotify first teased a high‑fidelity audio tier—dubbed “Spotify HiFi”—back in early 2021, promising CD‑quality, lossless streaming. However, four years later, the rollout still hasn’t arrived, leaving users stuck at 320 kbps. Recent beta-app findings confirm that Spotify is preparing to make good on that promise by offering lossless audio on iOS, desktop, and web platforms.
The Spotify Code Spills the Beans
Tech sleuths Chris Messina and the Spicetify team uncovered internal code snippets referencing “lossless” in the latest Spotify client builds. One help card reads: “Introducing the best sound quality on Spotify: for music in up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz,” while another warns that lossless listening is best enjoyed with wired devices or Spotify Connect‑compatible hardware.
MacRumors confirmed that the iPhone beta also hides lossless‑related code. Though the feature remains disabled, it’s clearly queued for activation soon.
What to Expect from Spotify’s New Tier?
While Spotify hasn’t announced an official name or release date, industry reports suggest the lossless upgrade may be part of a revamped premium plan called Music Pro, estimated to cost around $5.99 extra per month. This premium tier is expected to combine high‑fidelity audio, AI‑powered remix tools, and possible perks like early access to concert tickets.
Catch-up Moment with Rivals
Competitors have leapfrogged Spotify: Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, and Tidal already offer lossless audio at no additional cost. Apple Music even includes spatial audio and high‑resolution (up to 24‑bit/192 kHz) as default benefits for all subscribers. Spotify’s strategy—to bundle lossless with advanced features—is likely an attempt to justify the premium pricing in a saturated market.
Why the Delay?
Spotify’s extended silence stems from several factors:
- Licensing hurdles: Negotiations with record labels and the industry-wide cost implications of streaming larger audio files.
- Platform costs: Hosting and delivering lossless streams at scale demands more bandwidth and infrastructure.
- Strategic recalibration: The app may see more value in positioning lossless as part of a “superfan” offering rather than a core update.
What Listeners Can Do Now
If you care about audio quality:
- Get equipped. Use wired headphones or compatible streaming devices for the best experience.
- Try alternatives. Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal already offer lossless; consider trialing them during the wait.
- Plan ahead. If Music Pro launches later this year, prepare to upgrade based on your priorities: audio fidelity or added features.
For many casual listeners, current app quality may already be sufficient, but for dedicated audiophiles, this update marks a long‑overdue upgrade.
You might also want to read: These Are the Most Streamed Songs on Spotify
