Spotify HiFi Lossless Streaming May Finally Launch, but Can It Compete With Apple, Amazon, and Tidal’s Free High-Quality Audio?
Spotify is once again stirring hope that its elusive HiFi tier—promising lossless audio streaming—might finally be on the horizon. But after more than four years of delays, tech watchers and audiophiles alike are asking: is the streaming giant late to its own party?
Digital Dust Trails Point to HiFi
Hints buried in Spotify’s recent app updates have reignited speculation. According to Spicetify, a third-party tool used to customize the Spotify desktop client, new code strings and interface options referencing “lossless” have quietly appeared. These include sidebar elements for device connectivity and updated streaming quality options—subtle signals, but enough to suggest a launch may not be far off.
This isn’t the first time Spotify has danced around HiFi. Initially announced in 2021 with a glossy teaser, the HiFi tier was billed as a major upgrade. But the feature never launched. Over the years, Spotify has stayed vague, with CEO Daniel Ek teasing a “deluxe” experience in 2024 and internal leaks hinting at a “Music Pro” plan in the works.
But the Market Has Moved On
What makes Spotify’s delay more glaring is how other streaming platforms have already rolled out high-fidelity streaming, and they’re not charging extra for it. While Spotify is rumored to be planning a $5.99/month add-on, others have quietly made lossless audio standard.
HiFi Streaming Comparison: Spotify vs. Competitors
| Streaming Service | HiFi/Lossless Included in Base Plan? | Monthly Cost | Max Audio Quality | Format | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | Yes | $10.99 | 24-bit/192kHz | ALAC | Includes Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio |
| Amazon Music | Yes | $10.99 | 24-bit/192kHz | FLAC | HD and Ultra HD audio; Prime discount available |
| Tidal | Yes (HiFi tier) | $10.99 | 16-bit/44.1kHz (HiFi) / 24-bit/192kHz (HiFi Plus) | FLAC | Dropped MQA in 2024 for open standards |
| Spotify (rumored) | No (extra tier expected) | Base + $5.99? | Unknown (likely FLAC or similar) | TBD | Still not launched after 4+ years |
Will Users Pay More for What Others Offer Free?
If Spotify does launch a HiFi tier under the “Music Pro” label or similar, it would stand alone in asking users to pay extra for lossless audio. That raises questions about value perception. Unless Spotify bundles in additional tools—like AI-generated playlists, live ticket perks, or creator features—lossless audio alone may not justify the premium.
There’s also the timing issue. Apple Music rolled out HiFi in 2021. Amazon and Tidal followed closely. Spotify is now four years behind, and the market has shifted. Lossless streaming is no longer a premium—it’s expected.
Why It Took So Long
Spotify’s delay may reflect a combination of technical, financial, and strategic caution. Delivering lossless audio involves more bandwidth and higher licensing costs, especially across Spotify’s vast global user base. And while audiophiles might care deeply about FLAC bitrates and DACs, the average listener might not notice, especially on basic Bluetooth earbuds.
Spotify also likely faced complicated negotiations with labels and rights holders. Balancing profitability while offering higher-quality audio without alienating partners isn’t simple.
The Road Ahead: Late Isn’t Dead
If HiFi truly lands this year, as code leaks and UX updates suggest, Spotify will arrive at a party that’s already in full swing. But it doesn’t need to lead the lossless race—it just needs to justify its lane.
For over a decade, Spotify has built its brand on discovery, curation, and convenience. If it can pair HiFi with smart features—custom DJ tools, spatial remixes, or integrated experiences—it could still make a late entry feel worthwhile.
But if it simply slaps a $5.99 label on lossless audio, Spotify risks looking out of tune with the times.
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