Music streamer ready to launch audio quality upgrade four years after first announcing it – but it will cost you
Spotify users hoping for a better sound quality experience may be in luck, as the platform could finally be rolling out Spotify HiFi – four years after it first announced it. Back in 2021, Spotify told users that it would be offering CD audio quality upgrades to ‘premium subscribers in select markets’.
There have been no official updates on the potential upgrade since. However, there have now been reports that Spotify could be set to charge up to $5.99 a month in the US on top of existing subscriptions for a streaming service that would include higher quality audio, remixing tools and access to concert tickets.
Bloomberg reports that sources familiar with the matter say Music Pro is set to be launched later this year. When asked to comment by the publication, a Spotify spokesperson declined.
The Music Pro option is said to include AI-powered features which would allow users to mix songs from different artists. It is also testing ways to sell concert tickets, Bloomberg said. The sources saySpotify plans to roll the plan out in phases and will test options over the course of the year.
When the music platform first announced that it would be offering HiFi audio, back in 2021, it stated that subscribers would be able to “listen to their favourite songs the way artists intended”. It explained that high-quality music streaming was “consistently one of the most requested new features” by users.
Spotify said at the time: “Spotify HiFi will deliver music in CD-quality, lossless audio format to your device and Spotify Connect-enabled speakers.” It said this would mean “fans will be able to experience more depth and clarity while enjoying their favourite tracks.”