Spotify today announced plans to launch a new ‘HiFi’ premium level later this year, which will offer higher quality lossless sound. According to Spotify, the feature offers CD-quality music that allows fans to experience more depth and clarity in their favorite tracks.
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Streaming music services like Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music have offered lossless audio options, but to date, Spotify and Apple Music have not offered higher quality streaming options.
Spotify is’ Apple Music’s biggest competitor, so with Spotify planning a HiFi music option, Apple plans to also offer higher quality streaming in an effort to stay competitive. A lossless sound level will also fit well with Apple’s high-end AirPods Max headphones released in late 2020.
No pricing information is available at this time, but Amazon Music’s lossless level costs $ 14.99 per month ($ 12.99 for Prime subscribers), while Tidal charges $ 19.99 per month and Deezer $ 14.99 for its high fidelity plan. Spotify plans to launch HiFi in select markets later this year, and it will be a premium addition.
HiFi was introduced at Spotify’s Stream On event, which can be viewed in full on YouTube.
At the event, Spotify also said it plans to expand to more than 80 new markets in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America, enabling the service to reach more than 1 billion potential new customers. A full list of countries where Spotify will be available soon can be found on Spotify’s website.
Other announcements include Spotify’s new Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen “Renegade” podcast, new interactive podcast features for creators such as polls and Q&A instruments, and new music promotion resources for artists.