In a world where music is an integral part of our lives, the demand for high-quality audio streaming experiences has been steadily rising. As we venture into 2024, Spotify, one of the leading music streaming platforms, is set to revolutionize the industry with its much-anticipated Spotify HiFi.
Things to Know About Spotify HiFi 2024
- Spotify HiFi, announced in February 2021, is an upgrade for Premium users to enhance sound quality.
- The upgrade offers a “CD-quality, lossless audio format,” implying 16-bit depth and a 44.1kHz sampling rate.
- The term “lossless” is crucial, ensuring the audio stream retains all the original sonic details from the source.
- Spotify’s current standard is 320Kbps audio in the “lossy” Ogg Vorbis format, which involves compression and loss of detail for bandwidth efficiency.
- The main appeal is that listeners experience music exactly as intended by artists, as highlighted in a video featuring Billie Eilish and Finneas praising the virtues of lossless audio streaming.
Spotify HiFi Releasing Date News, Price and Quality
- Spotify HiFi, the long-anticipated CD-quality streaming service, was announced over two years ago and promised to launch in 2021, but there have been delays.
- Despite the delay, Spotify confirmed that it is still coming and might be called Spotify Supremium.
- When launched, Spotify HiFi will allow Premium subscribers to upgrade for higher-quality, lossless audio streams through Spotify Connect.
- There are rumors that HiFi streaming could be part of a ‘Platinum’ or ‘Supremium’ service with additional features like playlists, podcasts, and usability.
- “High-quality music streaming” has been a top user request for Spotify, leading to the anticipation of Spotify HiFi since its teaser in 2017.
- Despite leaked videos offering a glimpse, specific details such as price, launch date, and device compatibility are yet to be disclosed by Spotify.
- Questions arise on how Spotify HiFi will compete with existing lossless audio services like Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, and Apple Music.
- Apple and Amazon already offer lossless streaming at no extra charge, raising questions about Spotify’s strategy in this competitive landscape.
- A recent leak has provided some information, but the complete picture of Spotify HiFi, including pricing and compatibility, remains unclear.
What has Spotify Hifi announced in 2024?
- Speculation about Spotify HiFi announcement at Stream On event on March 8.
- Instead, presentation focused on creator tools, user features, and new programming.
- Introduction of a TikTok-inspired scrollable layout and additional Spotify exclusive podcasts.
- Official launch of the AI DJ app in the UK and Ireland.
- AI DJ app adds an MC, blends, and algorithmic personalization’s to playlists.
- Xavier ‘X’ Jernigan’s voice recommends songs and provides trivia on favorite artists.
- These features expected to be available for Spotify HiFi users.
What is ‘Supremium’?
In September 2023, a Reddit user with the handle u/Hypixely uncovered information within the code of the Spotify app regarding a new tier called ‘Supremium‘. The code findings appear to validate numerous speculations regarding Spotify HiFi, mentioning features such as 24-bit lossless music, AI-generated playlists, and advanced mixing tools.
Subsequently, additional information about the Supremium tier has surfaced through a Threads post by writer Chris Messina, potentially including the unveiling of a logo.
Why Spotify HiFi Delay ?
- Spotify HiFi, promised in February 2021, faced delays in its launch timeline.
- Despite hopes for a 2021 release, as of the end of 2023, Spotify HiFi is still not available.
- In January 2022, acknowledged the importance of HiFi quality audio, but provided no specific launch details.
- CEO Daniel Ek cited licensing negotiations and ongoing dialogue with music labels as reasons for the delay in an earnings call in February 2022.
- A leaked video and a HiFi icon spotted on the iOS app raised expectations, but no official launch occurred.
- A Reddit user claimed to receive a survey mentioning a hypothetical premium tier named Spotify Platinum with features like ‘HiFi’ for $19.99/month.
- Reports suggest Spotify might be considering a ‘Supremium’ tier with higher-quality audio and expanded audiobook access.
- Spotify co-president Gustav Soderstrum confirmed the plan to offer lossless audio but didn’t provide a specific timeline.
- Technologically ready for over a year, Spotify HiFi’s release is reportedly delayed due to economic considerations.
- The release is expected to be in multiple markets, with the US and Europe likely to be prioritized.
- The release date may vary based on the device, with newer Connect-enabled devices potentially getting the HiFi upgrade first.
Price Predictions For Spotify HiFi
- Several competitors in the music streaming industry already provide CD-quality subscription tiers priced around £11 / $11 / AU$13 per month.
- Apple’s lossless CD-quality and hi-res tier is included free for all Apple Music subscribers at the standard subscription price.
- Tidal has integrated CD-quality lossless quality into its standard plan, matching the price, with its hi-res tier being one of the more expensive options.
- Despite Spotify’s popularity and existing subscriber base, the success may hinge on its pricing strategy.
- It has not disclosed the monthly fee for its HiFi service, but recent price hikes suggest stakeholders may want increased revenue, potentially facilitated by a pricier tier.
- Amazon Music HD, previously priced at £13 / $13 for Prime members and £15 / $15 for non-Prime members, lowered its cost to £8 / $8 per month for Prime members and £10 / $10 for others.
- It might consider matching or undercutting this price to remain competitive, especially since both Amazon and Apple offer hi-res streams, a feature not confirmed for Spotify HiFi.
- However, considering Spotify’s dominance in the music streaming market, it may choose not to engage in a price war with Amazon.
- Analysts anticipate Spotify HiFi to be priced between £15 / $15 / AU$20 and £20 / $20 / AU$25, with a hypothetical premium tier called ‘Spotify Platinum’ mentioned in a customer survey and source code leak suggesting a potential $20 per month cost.
Free Trial of Spotify HiFi
- Spotify is likely to introduce a free trial for Spotify HiFi in 2024.
- The trial is expected to be available for both existing Spotify Premium users seeking to upgrade and new users who may have hesitated due to the service’s lack of higher-quality audio.
- Users accustomed to high-quality audio from competitors like Tidal and Amazon HD may need convincing to switch to Spotify.
- Currently, Spotify offers a 1-month free trial for Spotify Premium, while Amazon Music HD recently provided new subscribers with a 3-month free trial.
- Tidal offers a 30-day free trial, and Deezer entices visitors to its website with a 1-month free trial.
- Stay tuned to this page for updates, as we will notify you if/when news of free trial becomes available.
Quality of Spotify HiFi
- Lossless Audio Format:
- HiFi subscribers on Spotify will experience music in a lossless audio format with CD quality.
- Lossless audio bitrates can reach around 1411kbps, offering a significant upgrade from the existing Spotify Premium quality capped at 320kbps.
- Lossless audio files carry more data, resulting in a richer and more detailed audio experience.
- Technical Details:
- Spotify has not yet disclosed the technical specifics of its higher-quality streams.
- In a previous tease in March 2017, Premium subscribers were offered 1411kbps streams, raising expectations for Spotify HiFi’s debut.
- Comparison with Competitors:
- Tidal HiFi and Qobuz offer higher bitrates, up to 9216kbps for some tracks, surpassing the expected Spotify HiFi bitrate.
- Amazon Music HD also boasts a high-resolution catalog, raising the competitive bar.
- Hi-Res Audio Commitment:
- Spotify HiFi is positioned as “CD-quality” rather than explicitly committing to hi-res audio.
- Apple Music, in contrast, offers three tiers of higher resolution audio, including Hi-Res Lossless up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- Apple Music Features:
- Apple Music provides options for CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz), Apple Music Lossless (24-bit/48kHz), and Hi-Res Lossless.
- The entire Apple Music catalog is available in CD quality or Apple Music Lossless, with over 20 million tracks accessible in Hi-Res Lossless format.
- Immersive Audio and Additional Features:
- Apple Music supports new and immersive audio streams, including 360 Reality Audio tracks, spatial audio songs, and Dolby Atmos Music.
- Spotify’s stance on supporting similar features, such as 360 Reality Audio, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos Music, remains undisclosed.
Spotify HiFi Device Compatibility
- Spotify Connect Compatibility:
- CD-quality streams on Spotify HiFi are confirmed to be compatible with Spotify Connect.
- Spotify Connect offers a convenient wireless method for playing streams from the native Spotify app on a phone or tablet to a Connect-compatible device via Wi-Fi.
- Eliminates the need for complex Bluetooth pairing.
- Bluetooth aptX and aptX HD Support:
- Bluetooth aptX and aptX HD can also stream in CD-quality.
- Compatibility depends on the support for these Bluetooth codecs in both the source (e.g., Spotify app and phone) and the receiver (e.g., Bluetooth speaker or wireless headphones).
- Spotify Connect Details:
- Specifics about Spotify Connect compatibility with Spotify HiFi are pending disclosure.
- Presumably, Spotify HiFi subscribers will easily play high-quality streams between their phone (iOS and Android apps) or computer (desktop app or web player) and various Connect-enabled speakers, TVs, and audio systems available in the market.
- Wide Support for Spotify Connect:
- Spotify Connect has gained popularity as a streaming feature.
- The majority of networked and streaming-savvy devices are expected to support the Spotify Connect protocol.
- Collaboration with Speaker Manufacturers:
- Spotify is collaborating with major speaker manufacturers globally to enhance Spotify HiFi accessibility through Spotify Connect.
- The objective is to make Spotify HiFi available to a broad audience by integrating with a variety of Connect-enabled devices.
- Potential Launch with Spotify-Branded Speaker:
- Speculation exists regarding the launch of Spotify HiFi alongside a premium Spotify-branded speaker.
- Official details about this possibility are anticipated to be revealed soon.
- Favorite Wireless Speakers:
- Meanwhile, here’s a list of recommended wireless speakers, many of which support Spotify Connect, for users to explore.
Spotify HiFi Catalogue
- Spotify Premium claims to provide access to a vast library of “over 100 million songs.”
- However, details regarding the number of tracks available in CD-quality to HiFi subscribers remain undisclosed by the company.
- While specific information on the lossless CD-quality song selection is awaited, it is anticipated to be in the tens of millions, a figure likely to be shared with industry competitors.
- For context, Qobuz boasts the “biggest catalogue of CD-quality lossless and Hi-Res albums globally” with 60 million songs, and Amazon Music HD claims to offer “60 million songs in HD.”
- Spotify is expected to lead or match the market in providing the most CD-quality streams.
Smart and Versatile Catalogue:
- Beyond its extensive library, Spotify is renowned for the intelligence, versatility, and presentation of its catalogue.
- The “Discover Weekly” feature, powered by AI and machine learning, curates personalized playlists of 30 songs aligned with users’ listening habits.
- This feature is likely to highlight exclusive CD-quality content for HiFi subscribers.
Podcast Investments:
- In addition to its music offerings, Spotify has made significant investments in podcasts.
- Notable examples include “Renegades: Born in the USA,” featuring Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen.
Ongoing Updates:
- Further Five Things To Know About Spotify HiFi are awaited, and updates will be provided as soon as available.
- Despite the evolving landscape, competition in the market remains strong, emphasizing Spotify’s continuous commitment to excellence.
Conclusion
Spotify HiFi 2024 emerges as a frontrunner in the high-fidelity streaming landscape. With its commitment to quality, user experience, and industry partnerships, Spotify continues to shape the future of music consumption.
FAQ’s
Is Spotify HiFi still in development?
Yes, Spotify co-president Gustav Soderstrum confirmed in March that Spotify HiFi is still in the works. They aim to deliver it in a way that aligns with both the company’s vision and the preferences of their listeners, adapting to changes in the industry.
Does Spotify HiFi currently exist?
Yes, It announced the HiFi tier in February 2021, offering CD-quality lossless music streaming.
What is the audio quality of Spotify HiFi?
Spotify HiFi streams audio at CD-quality, which is lossless but not considered high-resolution audio.
When is Spotify HiFi expected to be released?
The release date is uncertain, but there are indications that it might be included in a new premium tier, possibly called “Supremium,” expected to launch in late 2023, initially in non-U.S. markets.
How much will Spotify HiFi cost?
The cost is not confirmed, but there are suggestions that it might be part of a new premium tier, potentially priced at $19.99 a month.
Why hasn’t Spotify HiFi been released yet?
Licensing issues and industry changes, particularly the emergence of competitive offerings from Apple and Amazon, may have contributed to the delay. Spotify is in constant dialogue with partners to navigate these challenges.
Will Spotify HiFi include spatial audio?
The initial announcement did not mention spatial audio, a feature offered by some competitors. Spotify’s plans for spatial audio are unclear, but rumors of features like “Studio Sound” and “Headphone Tuner” might suggest developments in this area.
