After teasing its arrival two years ago, it seems that Spotify HiFi is finally ready to make its debut. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. Spotify HiFi was first mentioned in early 2021 by music stars Billie Eilish and Finneas, who promised that select markets would have access to the feature later in the year. Unfortunately, 2021 came and went without any sign of HiFi, and Spotify has remained silent about its progress ever since.
But that silence may soon be broken, as insiders have revealed to Bloomberg that Spotify will introduce a new subscription tier called ‘Supremium’ that will support hi-res audio. This new plan will be Spotify’s most expensive option, surpassing its current Premium tier, which costs $9.99 / £9.99 / AU$11.99 per month. The exact price of Supremium has yet to be confirmed, but a leak from late 2022 suggests it could be $19.99 (approximately £19.99 / AU$23.99).
A user received an email from Spotify stating they could subscribe to the new Spotify Platinum plan for $19.99 per month, which supposedly includes Spotify HiFi, Studio Sound, Headphone Tuner, Audio Insights, Library Pro, Playlist Pro, and limited-ad Spotify podcasts. However, the practical implications of these features are still unclear.
If Supremium/Platinum does indeed cost $19.99, it will need to offer significant benefits to justify the price. Not only would it be more expensive than other top music streaming services, but it would also surpass the cost of the leading video streaming services. Fortunately, regular Premium will still be available, and according to Bloomberg, it may even offer free access to audiobooks in some capacity, such as a limited number of hours per month.
The launch date for the new Spotify plan is still unknown, but it is expected to roll out in select non-US markets first. This means that those of us eagerly awaiting high-resolution audio through the Spotify app may have to wait a bit longer.
So, what exactly is HiFi audio? High-resolution or high-fidelity music streams are a true delight for audiophiles. While the best speakers and headphones can capture minor details in tracks, these details often get lost when music is compressed, limiting the full audio experience. By increasing the bitrate of music streams and reducing compression, these minute details can be preserved, creating a more vibrant sound for your favorite tracks. However, this system has some drawbacks.
Higher-quality streams require more data, which typically translates to higher costs for the company. That’s why services like Tidal and Deezer charge more for their HiFi tiers, while platforms like Amazon Music and Apple Music absorb the additional costs. Additionally, not every track in Spotify’s library is likely to be supported by HiFi, which is true for other streaming services as well. Therefore, even if you upgrade to Spotify’s HiFi tier, you may not notice a difference in the sound quality of all your favorite tracks.
We will have to wait and see what Spotify’s upcoming Supremium has in store for us, assuming it is indeed a real offering.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
