Spotify HiFi Code Leaks: Better Quality Than Promised?

Spotify HiFi Leak: Higher Audio Quality Revealed, But There’s a Catch

For years, music lovers have been waiting for Spotify to deliver on its promise of lossless audio streaming. While the wait continues, a recent leak suggests that when the high-fidelity tier finally arrives, it might offer better quality than initially announced – though it could still fall short of competitors.

Code unearthed within the Spotify app by product designer Chris Messina indicates that development is indeed progressing on the long-awaited feature. Crucially, this leak provides insight into the potential audio quality specifications Spotify is aiming for.

From ‘CD Quality’ to Hi-Res?

Back in early 2021, Spotify first announced its upcoming lossless audio option, promising “CD quality” streaming, typically understood as 16-bit/44.1kHz. However, the newly surfaced code points towards a higher resolution: music potentially being available in high-res, “up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz”.

This potential bump in quality represents good news for subscribers eager for better sound – it’s a definite upgrade over the original promise.

The Catch: Still Trailing Rivals

Despite the improvement on Spotify’s initial promise, this potential 24-bit/44.1kHz maximum quality still lags behind several key competitors in the high-resolution streaming space. Services like Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, and Amazon Music already offer streams reaching up to 24-bit/192kHz.

While the practical difference between 24-bit/44.1kHz and higher sample rates like 192kHz might not be discernible on standard headphones or wireless speakers, audiophiles and owners of high-end, revealing audio systems might notice the distinction. For those currently subscribed to a service offering higher resolutions, Spotify’s potential ceiling could be a point of contention and a challenge in switching allegiances.

Not a Separate Tier? Pricing Rumors Surface

Beyond the audio specifications, the leaked code also offers clues about how this premium audio option might be delivered. Text highlighted in the leak, stating “Lossless music, now in premium,” suggests the high-fidelity streaming won’t arrive as a completely separate ‘HiFi’ subscription tier.

Instead, it’s more likely to be offered as an add-on feature to the existing Premium plan, presumably for an extra cost. This approach aligns with expectations that have been circulating for some time and echoes previous comments from Spotify’s CEO about an added-cost feature, potentially bundled with other premium functions under a “Music Pro” name.

Reports suggest this add-on could cost around $5-$6 per month on top of the standard Premium subscription, bringing the total potential price to $17-$18 monthly. This rumored pricing is notable, as it’s higher than the typical price point for hi-res streaming offered by several competitors (often around $11), especially considering Spotify has also increased its base Premium prices recently.

More Than Just Audio Quality?

The potential “Music Pro” add-on might not be limited to just higher audio quality. Rumors fueled by similar leaks and reports hint at a bundle of features designed to enhance the listening experience and compete with rival offerings. These could include:

Advanced mixing tools
Headphone optimization features (an ‘Optimize’ EQ-like function was also teased in the leak)
Enhanced library filtering (like filtering by mood or genre)
AI-driven song remixing tools

Potentially even benefits related to live concerts

The exact feature set and pricing remain speculative until Spotify makes an official announcement.

A Long and Winding Road

The pursuit of Spotify HiFi has been a lengthy one. First teased as early as 2017, the feature was formally announced in February 2021 with an expected launch by the end of that year. Significant delays followed, attributed by the CEO Daniel Ek to complex licensing negotiations and the economics of the offering. Latest information suggests Spotify “hopes” to introduce the feature sometime in 2025, potentially rolling it out in phases in key markets like the US and Europe.

While the recent leak provides a promising sign of progress and a potential quality bump, it also highlights the competitive landscape and the challenges Spotify faces in meeting the expectations of audiophiles while pricing the service effectively after such a long wait. The arrival of lossless audio is one of the most requested features from Spotify users, and its absence has been a point of criticism compared to competing platforms. The next official announcement is eagerly awaited.