Spotify HiFi Lossless Streaming May Finally Arrive Soon
▼ Summary
– The author is a news editor at The Verge, covering technology and gaming since 2019.
– New hints suggest Spotify may soon launch lossless streaming, based on hidden mentions in a recent app update.
– Screenshots and code indicate lossless streaming could be available via Spotify Connect and the web player.
– Spotify initially announced “Spotify HiFi” in 2021 but delayed it, with CEO Daniel Ek hinting at a “deluxe” version in 2024.
– Competing services like Apple Music and Tidal already offer lossless streaming, while Spotify’s potential “Music Pro” tier may cost $5.99 extra monthly.
Spotify’s long-awaited lossless audio streaming feature appears closer to reality, with new evidence suggesting the high-fidelity option may finally launch in the near future. Recent discoveries within the app’s code reveal multiple references to lossless functionality, sparking renewed excitement among audiophiles who’ve waited years for this upgrade.
A developer account associated with Spicetify, a popular Spotify customization tool, uncovered hidden mentions of lossless streaming in the latest app version. Screenshots shared by the account show lossless appearing as a selectable streaming quality option in settings, along with integration for Spotify Connect and web player support. While not yet active, these findings suggest Spotify is actively preparing the feature for release.
The company first teased lossless audio in 2021 under the name “Spotify HiFi,” but the promised launch never materialized. Earlier this year, CEO Daniel Ek hinted at a premium “deluxe” version of the service, while reports from Bloomberg indicated plans for a “Music Pro” tier that could include lossless streaming alongside other enhanced features. This upgraded subscription might carry a $5.99 monthly premium over existing plans, positioning it competitively against rivals.
Other major platforms, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal, already provide lossless streaming at no extra cost in some cases, putting pressure on Spotify to deliver a comparable offering. With these latest developments, the wait for high-resolution audio on Spotify could soon be over, though the company has yet to confirm an official rollout timeline.
(Source: The Verge)
