Spotify is preparing to introduce its long-anticipated lossless audio tier, with new code references discovered in its desktop app, web player, and the latest iPhone beta app.
Lossless audio preserves the original audio data, providing higher sound quality. According to the code, Spotify’s lossless streams will support up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz quality.
One line of code highlights: “Introducing the best sound quality on Spotify: for music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.” Another confirms lossless tracks can be streamed or downloaded via the iPhone app.
Earlier reports from Bloomberg indicated Spotify plans to launch a Music Pro subscription tier offering enhanced audio quality, remixing tools, and concert ticket access. This tier could cost an additional $5.99 per month on top of the standard Premium subscription and may arrive later this year.
Spotify initially revealed plans for a “Hi-Fi” lossless tier in 2021, the same year Apple Music made most of its catalog available in lossless formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz at no extra cost. Spotify’s delay and pricing suggest a competitive yet costlier entry into lossless streaming.