Back in 2021, Spotify announced plans to introduce a new tier of its music streaming service featuring high-fidelity audio. Now, four years later, enthusiasts are still waiting for this audio upgrade, but it may finally be on the horizon.
As reported by Bloomberg, Spotify is set to launch a “super fan” subscription add-on that will provide enhanced audio quality and additional features. Highlights of this new offering may include AI-powered remixing tools and exclusive access to concert ticket sales.
However, it’s important to remain cautious, as we’ve heard similar announcements regarding Spotify HiFi in the past, with expectations also surfacing in 2024.
When can users expect the new service? Currently, Bloomberg suggests it could be available “later this year,” with plans to market it under the Spotify Pro label. Pricing and specific release timelines are still being finalized as Spotify negotiates licensing agreements with record labels.
According to the report, Spotify is considering a $6 add-on for various subscription packages in the U.S. market, though prices may fluctuate in different regions, particularly in countries with lower subscription rates.
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As Spotify continues to develop its high-resolution music streaming system, competitors like Amazon, Apple, and Tidal are enhancing their offerings in the audiophile market with their own premium audio services.
Currently, Spotify’s highest audio bitrate is capped at 320 kbps. The company has promised “CD-quality, lossless audio” with the new tier, but has yet to provide detailed technical specifications.
To give context, Tidal’s “Low” tier offers up to 320 kbps, while its “Max” tier, which uses the HiRes FLAC codec, reaches up to 24-bit, 192 kHz. In comparison, Apple Music provides a range from 16-bit/44.1 kHz (deemed CD Quality) to 24-bit/192 kHz with its “lossless” upgrade, and notably, Apple does not charge extra for this streaming option.
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Amazon Music’s Unlimited tier provides a sample rate of 44.1 kHz with a peak bitrate of 850 kbps, while Ultra-HD tracks reach a 24-bit depth (from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz) with an average bitrate of 3,730 kbps.
The potential benefits of the $6 Spotify Pro add-on might also include priority access to ticket sales and preferred seating options for concerts. Additionally, Spotify already features a curated feed highlighting live events in users’ areas.
Spotify’s current pricing starts at $5.99 per month for students and $11.99 for individual accounts, with family plans up to $19.99. However, persuading music lovers to pay nearly 50% more for access to high-resolution audio could pose a challenge for the company, especially given the competitive pricing of other services.
