Spotify’s app developers have quietly embedded strings referring to “lossless” audio across desktop, mobile, and web player code—signaling that a CD-quality, lossless tier is in active development.
Messages like “Lossless music, now in premium” and “best sound quality on Spotify for music in up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz” reveal that the streaming option will support CD-grade FLAC playback.
Where and how
- Settings menus hint users will be able to select lossless quality directly.
Photo courtesy truespotify
- Playback warnings note that certain tracks might not be available in lossless or could be affected by poor connectivity.
- The tier appears supported across Spotify Connect-enabled devices, wired setups, and even the web player.
Photo courtesy spicetify
How it fits in Spotify’s strategy
- Originally announced in 2021 under the “Spotify HiFi” name, the launch faced delays, likely due to licensing hurdles.
- In early 2025, Spotify finalized deals with Warner and Universal, which industry watchers say clears key obstacles.
- The premium upgrade is expected to debut as part of a new Music Pro tier, likely around US $5.99 extra per month.
How it compares
- Spotify’s version caps at CD-quality (24‑bit/44.1 kHz), not the higher-resolution tiers (e.g., 24‑bit/96–192 kHz) offered by Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, or Apple Music.
- That said, CD-quality is a meaningful audio upgrade over current 320 kbps MP3/Ogg, and will not be hard to discern on everyday headphones.
In conclusion, the rollout is expected later in 2025 under the Music Pro branding, as a paid add-on to Premium.
We believe the new tier could finally introduce true lossless audio to a whole new generation of music lovers, the younger listeners who, many, may have never experienced the depth and clarity of CD-quality sound. This might be the first time they hear their favorite tracks with all the nuance, detail, and space that compressed formats simply can’t deliver and it could be Spotify’s most exciting move in years, not just an upgrade in sound quality, but an education of the ears. For a generation raised on compressed audio, lossless streaming could feel like a revelation.
Stay tuned for the official launch announcement later this year.
