Introduction to Spotify HiFi
Four and a half years ago, in February 2021, Spotify announced a new streaming tier called Spotify HiFi. This tier was supposed to offer high-quality, lossless audio, which would put Spotify on par with its competitors, such as Apple Music and Tidal. However, despite the initial announcement, Spotify HiFi never materialized, leaving users with nothing but vague promises of a premium Spotify tier that would include lossless audio.
The Long Wait for Spotify HiFi
After multiple delays and name changes, Spotify failed to deliver on its promise of lossless audio. This led to disappointment among users who were eagerly waiting for the new tier. Despite the setbacks, Spotify continued to hint that a premium tier with lossless audio was still in the works. However, with no concrete release date or details, users were left wondering if Spotify HiFi would ever become a reality.
New Clues Emerge
Recently, new clues have surfaced that suggest Spotify is indeed working on a lossless audio tier. The team behind Spicetify, a Spotify customization app, discovered mentions of "lossless" in parts of the Spotify desktop app’s user interface. For example, in the Settings, lossless is listed as one of the streaming quality options, and it is also mentioned in the sidebar with options for connected devices. Additionally, a MacRumors analyst found numerous mentions of lossless in the latest Spotify beta for iOS.
What Does Lossless Audio Mean?
So, what exactly is lossless audio, and why is it a big deal? Lossless audio refers to a type of audio compression that preserves the original audio data, resulting in better sound quality. Spotify mentions that its lossless audio will use the commonly used FLAC format, with a quality of up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz. This means that users with equipment that supports lossless audio, such as high-end speakers or headphones, will be able to enjoy better-sounding music.
Is Lossless Audio Finally Coming to Spotify?
While the recent discoveries are promising, it’s essential to remember that mentions of lossless audio were found in Spotify’s app back in 2021, and nothing came of it. Therefore, it’s difficult to say for certain whether lossless audio is finally coming to Spotify. However, the fact that Spotify is actively working on a lossless tier is a strong hint that it may become a reality soon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wait for Spotify HiFi has been long and frustrating, but recent clues suggest that Spotify is indeed working on a lossless audio tier. While it’s impossible to predict when or if it will be released, the fact that Spotify is actively developing a lossless tier is a promising sign. For music lovers who value high-quality audio, the potential release of Spotify HiFi is exciting news. Let’s hope that this time, Spotify will finally deliver on its promise and bring lossless audio to its users.
