Is Spotify HiFi Still Happening? Everything We Know So Far
Is Spotify HiFi Still Happening? Everything We Know So Far
Blog Article
Spotify HiFi — the long-promised high-fidelity audio tier — has been a source of both anticipation and frustration for music fans since it was first announced in early 2021. Touted as a major step toward audio quality parity with competitors like Tidal, Apple Music, and Amazon Music HD, the HiFi tier promised CD-quality, lossless audio streaming for Spotify’s vast user base. But more than four years later, many users are still wondering: Where is Spotify HiFi?
What Is Spotify HiFi?
Spotify HiFi was originally introduced in February 2021 as a premium tier that would deliver lossless, CD-quality audio to listeners. Lossless audio means tracks are streamed or downloaded in their original quality, without compression that typically reduces fidelity in standard streaming formats like Spotify’s current Ogg Vorbis streams.
Spotify promised that HiFi would allow users to "listen to their favorite songs the way artists intended," and it was set to roll out later that year. Since then, however, the company has been largely silent — offering no launch date, pricing, or significant updates for years.
What Happened to the Launch?
According to multiple reports and interviews with Spotify executives, the delay in launching HiFi appears to be tied to a combination of licensing issues and market dynamics. When Spotify announced HiFi, lossless audio was a premium feature offered only by niche services like Tidal. But in 2021, both Apple Music and Amazon Music began offering lossless streaming at no extra cost — undercutting Spotify’s potential pricing model.
Spotify found itself in a tricky position. It could either release HiFi and risk charging more than its rivals (and losing users), or it could give away high-quality streaming for free, potentially affecting profit margins — already thin in the music streaming business.
What Has Spotify Said Recently?
As of 2024 and into early 2025, Spotify has offered vague but hopeful signals about HiFi. Co-president Gustav Söderström stated in a 2023 interview with The Verge that the feature was still coming and that the delay was due to "industry changes."
Leaked information and code within Spotify’s app have hinted at a new tier, possibly called "Supremium", which could bundle HiFi audio with other premium features like expanded playlist tools, advanced library filtering, and more. However, this new tier has yet to be officially announced or rolled out.
Is There Still Demand for Spotify HiFi?
Absolutely. Audiophiles and casual listeners alike continue to express interest in lossless audio. Spotify’s massive catalog, strong personalization features, and intuitive interface make it the go-to app for many users — and the lack of a high-fidelity option remains one of its few technical drawbacks compared to competitors.
However, some users have already jumped ship to Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, or Tidal to enjoy better audio quality today — especially since those services offer HiFi as part of their standard plans.
Final Thoughts
Spotify HiFi remains one of the most anticipated — and overdue — features in the streaming world. While Spotify has confirmed it's still in the works, there's no concrete launch date. Until then, fans of high-resolution audio will either have to wait patiently or explore other platforms that already deliver on the promise of lossless sound.
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