Spotify’s HiFi feature could even become a $5 add-on to the Premium Plan
There has been a lot of discussion about how exactly Spotify will deliver the long-awaited lossless audio support. The format was initially thought to have been part of the Music Pro feature in April. In May, a leak suggested that High-Resolution Audio will be offered via an entirely new subscription plan. Now we learn that Spotify HiFi may no longer be a standalone level as previously theorized. Instead, it is an addition to the standard subscription. This information comes from an anonymous source who recently relayed the message to Bloomberg.
In a recent reportBloomberg claims that the platform will charge users an additional $5 per month to access lossless audio. This tidbit comes about a week after Spotify announced it is increasing the cost of its Premium Plan in the United States to $11.99 per month. If the source is correct, you’ll pay $16.99 monthly to enjoy the high-resolution format with one subscription. That may come as a surprise to some, as “code discovered in September 2023” said the company planned to launch its new HiFi tier and charge $20 for it.
Bloomberg’s source did not explain why Spotify is considering the add-on approach. 9To5Google Theorizes that this could be a way for the platform to introduce the HiFi tier, but without having to charge $20 for it. Although, as we have seen recently, they are not shy about raising prices; especially for the second time in less than a year.
Notable features
Bloomberg’s source goes on to say that there will also be “new tools for creating playlists.” Based on the description in the report, it appears that these features run on AI. One of these is said to give users the ability to “instantly generate custom playlists for certain activities, dates, and times of year.” The other would see the app learn your listening habits to create music collections ‘without (direct) prompt’. The report hints at improved song library management, but Bloomberg doesn’t really explain what these changes are.
There’s still no word on when Spotify HiFi will roll out in the US, but considering there have already been multiple leaks regarding the service in 2024, an official launch could be just around the corner. International availability is also unknown. The Premium Plan with Lossless Audio Add-on could cost £15.99 and AU$17.99 AUD in their respective regions. Of course, we assume that prices will remain the same, but it is possible that Spotify plans to increase prices outside the US as well.
As always, take information from leaks with a grain of salt. And check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best Bluetooth speakers for 2024 if you’re looking for a great way to enjoy music.