Spotify’s upcoming HiFi streaming could disappoint

Spotify’s HiFi streaming service may finally be on the way after years of waiting, although if this leaked info is correct, then it could still disappoint compared to some of its rivals.

After a ridiculously long wait, Spotify’s long-anticipated HiFi streaming service may finally be close to a full launch. Though, we have thought this before – and there’s nothing official from Spotify.

The long-promised lossless audio tier has been teased since February 2021, but has been MIA for so long that many had given up hope of it ever arriving.

However, newly discovered app code may have revealed Spotify is finally close to delivering the goods. The code was shared by product designer Chris Messina on the social network Threads.

Rivals could still have Spotify beat

The code references streaming quality of “up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.” That’s an improvement over the 16-bit/44.1kHz (‘CD quality’) audio that Spotify had previously promised.

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However, it’s still a little behind the competition. Services like Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music and Amazon Music offer higher resolution streaming options, with some offering up to 24-bit/192kHz.

For casual listeners, who stream music through their phone and a pair of standard headphones, the difference in quality is unlikely to be noticeable. However, audiophiles with high-end systems may feel a little underserved by this offering.

Further findings from X user @spicetifyapp also suggest the new feature might be integrated into the existing Premium tier, rather than as a separate subscription.

This is a change to previous rumours, which had suggested that users might have to pay more and upgrade to a supposed ‘Supremium‘ tier to access the new quality settings. This approach seemed odd, especially as Apple has higher-quality support included in its base subscription.

There’s also the chance Spotify is holding back other features for its higher-end service, perhaps thinking that higher-quality audio is no longer as much of a draw as it’s offered so commonly elsewhere.

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Opinion

While this leak is welcome, and it does seem like the service is edging closer, we’ve seen these before, and nothing actually official ever came from it.

I’ve been waiting for improved quality options in Spotify for years – and I am still sort of expecting it to never actually appear. I guess we’ll find out soon if this latest news signals the final before release.

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