Spotify has been working on its HiFi audio service since 2021, aiming to provide lossless, CD-quality sound to its subscribers. Despite high expectations from audiophiles, the release has faced significant delays, leaving many wondering when the service will finally launch.
Release Date Uncertainty
Initial announcements indicated that Spotify HiFi would be available by the end of 2021. However, as of 2025, there has been no official release date. The delay has been attributed to licensing issues and a shift in focus towards enhancing social features and AI integrations within the platform.
Spotify typically rolls out new features first in the US and Europe. However, with operations in over 180 markets, the initial availability of HiFi may vary by region.
Pricing Predictions
Currently, there is no confirmed pricing for Spotify HiFi. Speculation suggests it could be a $5 add-on to the existing Premium subscription, which costs $11.99 per month. If true, the total monthly cost could range between $14.99 and $19.99. This pricing strategy would position Spotify competitively against other services like Tidal and Amazon Music, which offer similar lossless audio options.
Audio Quality Expectations
Spotify HiFi is expected to deliver audio quality at least comparable to CDs. This improvement would significantly elevate the streaming quality from the current maximum of 320kbps. While there are hopes for even higher-resolution audio formats, the exact specifications remain unclear.
Song Catalog Limitations
Not all songs in Spotify’s extensive catalog will likely be available in HiFi quality. While millions of tracks are anticipated to be included, smaller labels and older titles may not make the cut. Users may need to retain their physical collections until more details emerge.
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