- Spotify’s Hi-Fi audio tier is still in development.
- The new tier will cost approximately $5 more than the current premium plan.
- The Hi-Fi tier promises CD quality, lossless audio, and additional features.
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has revealed that the streaming giant is still in the “early days” of launching its much-anticipated Hi-Fi audio tier.
During a recent earnings call, Ek shared insights into what users can expect from this new deluxe subscription option.
Back in 2021, Spotify announced its plans to introduce Spotify HiFi, a high-end subscription tier that would enable users to enjoy music in a “CD-quality, lossless audio format.”
Despite this exciting announcement, the rollout has been delayed, and the new tier is yet to see the light of day as we move through 2024.
“The plan here is to offer a much better version of Spotify,” Ek stated during the call with investors. “Think something like $5 above the current premium tier.
So it’s probably around a $17 or $18 price point, but sort of a deluxe version of Spotify that has all of the benefits that the normal Spotify version has, but a lot more control, a lot higher quality across the board, and some other things that I’m not ready to talk about just yet.”
This pricing aligns with Bloomberg’s report from the previous month, which suggested that the new premium plan would cost at least $5 more per month.
While the new tier will include the highly anticipated Hi-Fi audio streaming, it is also expected to feature new tools for creating playlists, among other enhancements.
“There’s a good subset of that group of 246 million subscribers that want a much better version of Spotify,” Ek added. “Those are huge music lovers who are primarily looking for even more flexibility in how they use Spotify and the music capabilities that exist on Spotify.”
Spotify’s competitors, Apple Music and Amazon Music have been offering lossless audio streaming for years without any additional cost.
This raises questions about why Spotify is taking longer to release its Hi-Fi tier. The company may aim to ensure it provides enough value to justify the additional cost, even as its rivals offer similar features for free.
Spotify has always been at the forefront of music streaming, constantly innovating and enhancing user experience. The introduction of Spotify HiFi is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
The delay in the launch of the Hi-Fi tier could be due to various factors, including technical challenges or strategic planning to differentiate the service from competitors. Regardless, the anticipation continues to build among Spotify’s user base.
The streaming service’s focus on delivering a superior audio experience is evident in Ek’s remarks.
By enhancing sound quality and providing additional features, Spotify aims to cater to the needs of audiophiles and music enthusiasts who demand more from their streaming services.
The company’s strategy to introduce a deluxe tier reflects its understanding of its diverse user base and the varying preferences and requirements of its subscribers.
