Rewind to early 2021: Spotify introduced its HiFi tier, promising lossless, CD-quality audio for its users. Initially expected to launch later that year, it’s now 2023 and Spotify HiFi remains conspicuously absent. Some might equate its elusive release date to future installments of GTA 6—a running joke among fans.
The Feature That Refuses to Show Up
Since its announcement four years ago, we’ve seen numerous hints—from code leaks to feature references— signaling a potential launch. In 2023, some intriguing code snippets hinted at a new plan dubbed Spotify Supremium, priced at $19.99, promising lossless audio. Last year, screenshots of the much-anticipated HiFi tier emerged but led to no results.
Earlier this year, whispers of a Music Pro plan surfaced—another subscription option offering CD-quality audio. Yet, four months in, there’s still no sign of it. Recently, a leak from Spicetify boasted a screenshot revealing Lossless 24-bit/44.1 kHz audio in the Spotify desktop app. But at this point, skepticism runs high.
Spotify 1.2.66 mentions lossless in more parts of UI #NewSpotify #SpotifyLossless #Spotify
Lossless (pigeon) is mentioned in “Connect to the device” sidebar & under the artist in NPB (Now Playing Bar)
Lossless will be available up to 24-bit/44.1KHz (FLAC + Widevine).
Lossless… pic.twitter.com/QYbqg1ZKN3— spicetify (@spicetifyapp) June 19, 2025
For audiophiles, waiting for Spotify HiFi feels endless. It’s become an urban legend, as fanciful as the Loch Ness monster or Bigfoot.
Why Spotify HiFi Never Stood a Chance
So, why has Spotify hesitated to launch HiFi? The streaming titan was poised to compete against platforms like Amazon Prime Music and Tidal, which happily offered higher quality at a premium. But then Apple Music entered the fray, launching Spatial and Hi-Res lossless audio at 24-bit/192 kHz—without charging extra. This forced Spotify and its competitors to rethink their strategies.
Spotify was prepared to charge extra for HiFi, but with rivals offering superior audio for lower prices, the case for maintaining the HiFi tier diminished. The service has been exploring different combinations of features to entice users, attempting to strike the right balance for a premium subscription.
Some may suggest that Spotify is simply ensuring lossless audio is up to snuff before making it available. While this holds some weight, countless hints and code references tell a different story.
At This Point, I’ve Moved On (And You Should Too!)
If there was ever a moment for Spotify to roll out Hi-Res lossless streaming, it should be this year. The company has reportedly settled its music rights issues, according to The Verge.
But honestly? I’ve given up hope. This marks the third instance in four years that we’ve dissected the mystery of Spotify HiFi. I refuse to repeat the cycle next year. Instead, I’ve embraced an Apple Music subscription alongside my Spotify Premium—and it’s been a gratifying choice.
If Spotify eventually unveils a well-rounded suite of features, including lossless audio, count me in. However, I’m not prepared to stick around for another four years to serve as a beta tester for Spotify HiFi. Perhaps the real HiFi was the Apple Music experiences we made along the way.
Curious to explore more about streaming services and their offerings? For a deeper dive into related topics, check out Moyens I/O.