After nearly four years of anticipation, Spotify is reportedly preparing to launch its HiFi audio streaming tier in 2025. According to a Bloomberg report published on Saturday, the new feature will compete with high-fidelity audio services already offered by platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal.
Spotify first announced plans for HiFi audio streaming in 2021, promising users access to lossless sound quality that would enhance their listening experience. However, despite the initial excitement, the feature never materialized, leading to speculation and frustration among subscribers. Now, after years of delays, the music streaming giant appears to be finalizing the details of its HiFi service, which may be branded as “Music Pro.”
Unlike competitors such as Apple Music and Amazon Music, which offer high-fidelity streaming at no additional cost, Spotify’s HiFi tier is expected to come with a price increase. Reports suggest that the new service will be an add-on package to Spotify’s existing Premium subscription, potentially costing an additional $6 per month. This means that users who wish to access HiFi audio will need to pay a total of $18 per month significantly higher than the standard $11.99 Premium plan.
While this pricing model may deter some users, Spotify could justify the extra cost by bundling additional features with Music Pro. The company has not yet officially confirmed what these extra benefits might be, but speculation suggests they could include advanced equalizer settings, enhanced playlist curation, or exclusive content for audiophiles.
The introduction of Spotify’s HiFi tier will place the company in direct competition with services that have already integrated high-quality audio streaming into their standard plans. Apple Music, for instance, provides lossless and spatial audio without charging extra, making its subscription one of the best-value options for audiophiles. Similarly, Amazon Music offers HD and Ultra HD streaming as part of its Amazon Music Unlimited package.
Spotify’s decision to charge extra for HiFi audio may be a risky move, given that many users have grown accustomed to receiving high-resolution music at no added cost. However, the company’s massive user base over 600 million active listeners worldwide suggests that there will still be demand for its upgraded audio offering.
If Spotify follows through with its long-delayed HiFi launch, it will mark a significant milestone for the platform. Whether Music Pro will be embraced by users remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for high-quality audio streaming is heating up, and Spotify is finally ready to join the fight.
