Spotify has finally launched its long-awaited Spotify lossless audio feature, bringing higher quality streaming to millions of Premium users. The rollout begins in countries including the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, and several others, with more than 50 nations expected to gain access through October.
The announcement marks the return of Spotify HiFi, first revealed in 2021 but delayed after rivals such as Apple Music offered lossless and spatial audio at no extra cost. Now, Premium subscribers will notice a new “Lossless” option in their media quality settings. This mode enables playback of 24-bit/44.1kHz FLAC files, a notable upgrade from the previous 320kbps Ogg Vorbis standard.
While this new tier improves Spotify’s sound quality, it still trails competitors. Apple and Tidal offer streaming at up to 24-bit/192kHz and support spatial audio, which Spotify currently lacks. Industry observers suggest the company could be holding back high-resolution and spatial formats for a possible future premium tier. Nevertheless, the availability of Spotify lossless audio at no additional cost is a welcome update for users with high-end headphones or audio gear.
The timing of this launch is also strategic. Just months ago, Spotify enthusiasts discovered hints of lossless audio buried within the desktop app’s code. Meanwhile, Apple unveiled new tools making it easier for users to switch their music libraries from rival platforms to Apple Music. Spotify’s move helps prevent customer churn while giving loyal subscribers a reason to stay.
Despite excitement, not every Premium customer will get the feature immediately. Many regions face a staggered rollout lasting several weeks. For users who have waited since 2021, though, a short delay seems minor compared to finally enjoying lossless audio on Spotify.
