It has been over four years since Spotify announced plans for a lossless audio tier, but the feature has yet to launch.
Despite numerous leaks and hints from company executives, anticipation for the delayed service remains cautious. However, recent code additions in the Spotify app suggest that the lossless service is still in development and may be approaching launch.
Technologist and reverse engineer Chris Messina discovered several references to “lossless” in the latest build of the Spotify desktop app. These code snippets primarily relate to help cards that inform users about the features and usage of the lossless tier.
One card states, “Lossless music, now in premium,” while another highlights it as the “best sound quality on Spotify for music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.” Additional cards caution users that certain songs may not be available in lossless format or that poor connectivity could affect playback. Another card notes that lossless music is “best enjoyed on devices compatible with Spotify Connect and/or wired devices.”
A Reddit user, u/bendotlc, also noted changes in the mobile app’s latest version, which mentions lossless audio: “Say hello to the best sound quality on Spotify. Listen to high-fidelity music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.” The user claims the feature is present but currently disabled, a claim confirmed by TechCrunch using data from Appsensa.
While these code references indicate progress, they do not guarantee the imminent arrival of the lossless feature. Similar leaks have occurred in the past without any actual launch.
When asked about lossless audio and premium tier plans during recent earnings calls, Spotify executives, including CEO Daniel Ek, hinted at investments in premium products for “super fans,” but did not provide timelines for any higher-quality streaming options.
Most recently, Spotify Chief Business Officer Alex Norstrom stated in the Q1 2025 call that the company is still focusing on developing premium tiers. He noted, “Creating higher tiers around new offerings is something we are working towards as it really opens up new opportunities to delight users.”
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When Spotify first announced its plans for what was then called Spotify HiFi in 2021, it promised CD-quality, lossless audio. The company had tested a lossless option in previous years but cited licensing issues as the reason for the delay.
In potentially positive news, Spotify signed new agreements with labels such as Warner Music and Universal Music Group in early 2025, which may facilitate the launch of the lossless tier.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported earlier this year that a premium Music Pro tier is expected to launch later in 2025, featuring high-quality streaming, remixing, and other enhancements.
Spotify declined to comment on these developments.
SOURCE: TECH CRUNCH
